Chontal de Oaxaca, Sierra in Mexico

Introduction / History

Chontals speak languages from the Tequistlateco-Chontal family. For this reason they are also known as Tequistlateco. Chontals in Oaxaca are linguistically and ethnically different from the Chontal of Tabasco, who speak a Mayan language. The similarity of names is because the more powerful Nahuatls use it as a generic term.

Within the Chontal tribes of Oaxaca, there is a difference between those who live in the mountains and those who live near the coast. Those from the mountains live in the municipalities of Santa María Ecatepec, Magdalena Tequisistlán, and San Carlos Yautepec of Oaxaca state. Their language is Highland Oaxaca Chontal, and they are referred to as Sierra Chontal de Oaxaca.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Sierra Chontal de Oaxaca live in circular-shaped houses with walls made from mud or adobe. Their high ceilings are shaped like cones and made from straw and palm fronds. Their beds are made from reeds. Benches are made from logs. Some kitchens have a high adobe platform or a partition to set it apart from the rest of the house. They make use of clay for pots and dishes, and items made from wood or plastic.

Often, grandparents and siblings build homes near one another; they live in extended families. Families are patriarchal, with men having most decision-making power. Sierra Chontal de Oaxaca elders are called upon for their advice because of their life experiences. Everyone must help with communal chores that benefit the entire community.

Though they are also famous for their beautiful hand-made goods, they sustain themselves through agriculture and livestock herding. Farmers grow corn, beans, squash, and orchard fruits. They extend their food source through hunting and fishing.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though they are officially Roman Catholic, the Sierra Chontal de Oaxaca also worship ancestral spirits. The moon, the sun, stars, fire, air, and water were created by the Great Spirit. Some participate in witchcraft, which is frowned upon in Chontal society. There are festivals for their patron saint, but others are for the holy departed, Christmas, Easter, and the holy cross.

Those in the mountains, the Sierra Chontal de Oaxaca, are about half Evangelical. They have a New Testament in their language, along with some audio Bible tools.

What Are Their Needs?

Sierra Chontal de Oaxaca people need a complete Bible and radio broadcasts in their language. They need the willingness to spread the name of Jesus Christ to those who put their faith in anything less than the King of kings.

Prayer Points

Pray for an accurate and complete Bible for the Sierra Chontal de Oaxaca.
Pray for them to put all their faith in Jesus Christ, and for them to watch in amazement as he blesses them in every way.
Pray that soon Sierra Chontal de Oaxaca disciples will make disciples among indigenous people with less of a gospel witness.
Pray for the Lord to show himself powerful and loving by blessing them with a record-high corn harvest.

Text Source:   Joshua Project