La visión zoque del Inframundo

Abstract

This paper is an approach to the thoughts and explanation that the Zoques from the northeast of Chiapas understand in relation to the underworld. In short we can say there are, in their conception, four parallel worlds where life is developed. Each one of these worlds is identified with one of the solar cycle phase. Then the terrenal life is developed over the Earth and this is here and now for them; life time is short and belongs to the red Sun stage. The world of the enchantment or Tsu’an is where the men are caught and taken to live inside of the mountains and they live with eternal happiness; time and space are catchet, and this phase belongs to the yellow Sun. The world great labyrinth or I’ps töjk is the world where every behavior on the Earth is judged, and depending on the Great Tribunal verdict, people receive prizes or punishments according to their behavior in their life; time and space are frozen, and this correspond to the white Sun cycle. Finally, the Pagujk tsu’ world is the deep darkness territory, the place when those who committed suicide go to live; time and space are trapped in this stage. This belongs to the black Sun phase.