Zapoteco, Totomachapan in Mexico
Send Joshua Project a photo
of this people group. |
Send Joshua Project a map of this people group.
|
| People Name: | Zapoteco, Totomachapan |
| Country: | Mexico |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 1,500 |
| World Population: | 1,500 |
| Primary Language: | Zapotec, Totomachapan |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 95.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 5.00 % |
| Scripture: | Unspecified |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Zapoteco |
| Affinity Bloc: | Latin-Caribbean Americans |
| Progress Level: |
|
Introduction / History
The Zapotecos, the largest indigenous people group cluster of Mexico, live primarily in the southern state of Oaxaca. This people group, however, reaches across much of Mexico. Totomachapan is one of the many Zapoteco languages spoken in southern Oaxaca.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Many Totomachapan Zapotecos are among the poorest of Mexico s citizens. The primary sources of income are farming and various crafts such as pottery and weaving. Many still speak only their language not Spanish. This keeps them from advancing in a Spanish-speaking country. Part of the reason is that they live in a very remote part of Mexico. Steep mountains and a lack of roads keep the Zapotec peoples splintered geographically and linguistically.
The Zapotecs are friendly when they are not put on the defensive about their religion and belief system. Religious festivals are an important part of their culture. In some Zapotec villages, it s mandatory to help with the Cristo-pagan ceremonies by paying for the food and abundant liquor. This situation sometimes conflicts with the beliefs of the Evangelical minority.
What Are Their Beliefs?
When the Spanish first arrived in Mexico in the 1500s, they set about to convert the indigenous peoples to Roman Catholicism. Rather than abandoning their own religion, many Zapotecos simply combined it with the new religion in a way that does not allow for the lordship of Jesus. Today, most Zapotecos profess Roman Catholicism, but also believe in spirits and myths. For example, Zapotecos claim that they originated from trees, rocks, and even jaguars.
What Are Their Needs?
All Zapotec subgroups need to put Jesus Christ first in their lives. As it stands, they hold onto many traditional beliefs that hinder their relationship with the loving Savior.
Prayer Points
Pray that Zapotecos will allow Christ to set them free from paralyzing fear and bondage and make them alive in him.
Pray that soon there will be Totomachapan Zapoteco disciples making other disciples for the glory of the Lord.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in their churches and villages, showing them the way of Christ.