athered at the waist with woolen girdles. They wear broad-brimmed,
low-crowned hats, of their own braiding, which they adorn with long,
streaming, red and green ribbons. Their sandals are supplied with
heel-guards of black leather, the height of which indicates the wealth
or consequence of the wearer. These indians of Chamula have a love of
liberty and desire for independence. The most serious outbreak of recent
times was theirs in 1868, when, under the influence of the young woman,
Checheb, they attempted to restore the native government, the indian
life, and the old-time religion. Temples were erected to the ancient
gods, whose inspired priestess the young woman claimed to be; but three
hundred years of Christianity had accustomed them to the idea of a
Christ crucified; an indian Christ was necessary, not one from the hated
invading race; accordingly, a little indian lad, the nephew of the
priestess, was crucified, to become a saviour for their race. Their
plans involved the killing of every white and _mestizo_ in all the
country; in reality, more than one hundred men, women, and children,
in the _fincas_ and little towns, were killed; San Cristobal, then the
capital city, suffered a veritable panic, and it took the entire force
of the whole state to restore order.

[Illustration: TZOTZILS; HUIXTAN]

[Illustration: TZOTZIL WOMAN; CHAMULA]

The Tzendals of Tenejapa are picturesque in the extreme. Their dark
skin, their long black hair, completely covering and concealing the
ears, their coarse features, and the black and white striped _chamaras_
of wool--which they buy from the weavers of Chamula--form a striking
combination. They do but little weaving, their chief industry being the
raising and selling of fruits. Most of the men carry a little sack,
netted from strong fibre, slung at one side. Among other trifling
possessions in it, is generally a little gourd filled with a green
powder, which they call _mai_, or _pelico_. It consists chiefly of
tobacco, with a mixture of lime and chili, and is chewed, no doubt, for
stimulating properties--to remove the weariness of the road, and "to
strengthen the teeth," as some say.

When we had exhausted the stock of those who came to pay their taxes,
it was suggested that we would find good subjects in the jail. This
occupied what was once a fine old convent, built around a large
open court, and connected with the church, which, judging from its
elaborately carved facade, must