
Indian Notes and Monographs, A Series of Publications Relating to the American Aborigines, Reports on the Maya Indians of Yucatan (Softcover)
by Santiago Mendez et al. 1921.
The document discusses the challenges faced by a nation in attracting European colonists due to the absence of protective laws and a lack of systematic study of land use, climate, and resources. It emphasizes the need for legislation that would guarantee work for colonists and establish boundaries for waste lands, which could lead to increased immigration and prosperity similar to that of Brazil and Buenos Aires. The author argues that colonization is essential for national progress, as the current population lacks the necessary elements to drive growth.
Additionally, the document touches on the characteristics and behaviors of the Maya Indians, highlighting their timidity in battle, cunning in ambushes, and skills in marksmanship. It describes their marriage customs, where the daughter-in-law typically moves in with her father-in-law, and notes the decline of the indigenous population compared to the advantages held by the white race and mestizos. The author suggests that the Maya's isolation and retreat to free land reflect their struggle against societal pressures and the desire for autonomy.