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Creativity and artistic expression are not encouraged by the Maya of Ejido X-Hazil y Anexos. 

 During my study, I was aware of only one local painter and a handful of musicians. None of these 

 artists was highly regarded by X-Hazil Sur residents for their talents. In school, children frequently 

 were encouraged to draw, but their parents usually did not appreciate their artwork. A potential outlet 

 for artisans is the DIF store in Fehpe Carrillo Puerto, where handicrafts such as hammocks, dresses, 

 weavings, and carvings, are sold to tourists, but no X-Hazil Sur residents have sold items at this store. 



The Maya of Ejido X-Hazil y Anexos show a general lack of concern for the future or for 

 self -improvement. Simple matters, such as leaking roofs and losing one's pigs for a few days while 

 they feed in a neighbor's field, are addressed long after they become a problem. Complex problems, 

 such as the declining abundance of game and the determining the equitable use of land by cattle 

 ranchers and horticulturalists, generally are ignored. With respect to self-improvement, only a few 

 families have encouraged their children to seek further education or employment outside of the village, 

 and those individuals who leave subsequently are treated as outsiders. 



In spite of a general reluctance by ejido residents to ask or seek economic assistance (except 

 from government officials who usually did not insist that the loans be repaid), I was continually asked 

 to give loans against personal items left as security. Occasionally the money was used to purchase 

 necessary items such as food, medicine, or clothing. More often, however, a man would pawn his 

 wife's jewelry in order to buy beer. The local shopkeepers also loaned money or goods against future 

 earnings by village residents. Fortunately, my clients were able to clear all of their debts before I left. 



While living in the ejido was an interesting experience and my wife and I made many good 

 friends, we also noted several problems that complicated daily life for all. Perhaps the major problem 

 was the immoderate consumption of beer by men and the numerous fights that resulted. This was 

 aggravated by the fact that the men often did not receive any pay until the work was completed even 

 though the job might last several weeks. Men often received 3-6 months earnings in cash at a time. 

 Unfortunately, many of these men would spend much of this money at the local tavern or in Felipe 

 Carrillo Puerto, and within a few days they would be broke again. 



