 Most Tzeltal live in communities in twenty

different municipalities under the

Mexican system called "uses and
customs", which aims to respect the
authorities and traditional indigenous
policy. The Tzeltal women often wear
traditional huipil blouses and black;
however men do not use a traditional
dress
 
From this moment on, the people who
spoke Mayan languages were grouped
forming different but interlinked cultures
languages. The Spaniards conquered
the Maya territory in the mid-sixteenth
century, including what is now the state
of Chiapas, Mexico. They founded the
city of San Cristobal de las Casas, which
was on the verge of Tzeltal territory and
subdued the indigenous system of
entrustment, forcing them to pay tribute
 The western Mayan language group is
predominant in Chiapas, whose most
common variations are Tzeltal and
tzotzil.1 Both languages are part of the
subdivision of the Tzeltal and are closely
interrelated, it is estimated that began to
spread around 1200 AD January 8 the
two languages are also related to other
Western state Mayan languages such as
Chontal, Chol, Tojolabal, Chuj,
Q'anjob'al, Acatec, Jakaltek and
motozintlec
 
The Tzeltal religion is a syncretism of
indigenous and Catholic elements. Many
festivals and ceremonies associated with
days dedicated to the saints, organized
by patrons called stewards and their
assistants called lieutenants. The
stewards in charge of the ceremonies
are also leaders in other secular affairs
 Tzeltal those living in larger towns tend to
specialize in livestock production, where
surplus is sold on the regional market
system. This system is related to the larger
economic system mexicano.8 Handicrafts
consist mostly of textile fabrics and
decorated with traditional Mayan designs.
For women the article of common use is the
huipil; blouses, tablecloths and napkins are
used at home or sold. Best textiles come
from Tenejapa, Pantelhó, Larráinzar and
Chenalhó.
