Sisimito II--Xibalba
Published by:
Jabiru Books Belize
Placencia, Belize.
Website: http://jabirubooksbelize.com
First Published 2017.
Copyright © 2017 Henry W. Anderson MBBS JP, Stephanie D. Anderson, and Jabiru Books Belize.
Printed Book and E-book conversion by BookBaby, U.S.A.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher and/or storyteller.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the storyteller’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental. Please note that Expedition Bold did take place. The members’ names are used in the Sisimito Series to acknowledge them.
Printed Book ISBN: 978-976-95561-2-6
EAN: 9789769556126
E-Book ISBN: 978-976-95561-3-3
EAN: 9789769556133
WORDS ABOUT THE STORYTELLER.
British Honduras Volunteer Guard Camp
Mountain Pine Ridge, Cayo District
May, 1972
Dr. Henry W. Anderson was born in Dangriga, Belize. He received his medical degree from the University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
After medical internship in Nassau, The Bahamas, he returned home to practice where he had his Private Practice Clinic for over twenty years. He also served as District Medical officer for the Stann Creek District. He has served Belize in other ways. He served as a soldier in the British Honduras Volunteer Guards. In politics, he contested both municipal and general elections. As a diplomat, he was stationed in Washington D.C. and in Guatemala City. He has been nominated to several Boards and is a Justice of the Peace.
Three of Dr. Anderson’s works have been published in Belize. They are The Son of Kinich, a volume of poetry; The Eddy, a collection of short stories; Ode to the One-Eyed Lady, a novel about a hurricane approaching Belize. Recently published, both as printed and E-books, are Sisimito, Christ Son Of Man - The Voyage To Araboth II, and Sisimito II - Xibalba. The second edition of Sisimito is titled Sisimito I - Ox Witz Ha and is the first book of the Sisimito Series. There are very few changes from Sisimito.
The late Ambassador Edward A. Laing wrote: “Mastery over form and catholic technique are staples in this poet’s work, which is very accessible”. Belizean writer Emory King contributed: “Your poems indicate a depth of thought and a way with words that is rare in this age of sound-bytes and digest opinions”. The Reporter Press stated: “Every now and then, a Belizean writer produces a cerebral work that is so intellectually stimulating that it leaves one staring beyond the book and into space”. Minister of Education, C. B. Hyde wrote on Ode to the One-Eyed Lady: “I have come to the conclusion that this is a great book, not because it is enjoyable and easy to read, although it is, but it is, perhaps, the best book ever written on the subject with which it deals”.
Dr. Anderson was the first medical student to be awarded the ‘Use of English Prize’ at the University of the West Indies.
Dr. Anderson is married to Stephanie, née Gegg-Grange. They have four children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Presently, they reside in Minnesota, U.S.A.
Other Books by Dr. Henry W. Anderson
The Son Of Kinich - Illustrated Poetical Works.
The Eddy - A collection of short stories.
Ode To The One-Eyed Lady - A novel about a hurricane hitting Belize.
Sisimito - Ox Witz Ha: First novel of the Sisimito Series, second edition. First edition titled Sisimito.
Christ Son of Man - The Voyage To Araboth II. - A Science Fiction/Religious novel.
Soon to be released: Sisimito III – Topoxte.
Acknowledgements.
Dr. Henry W. Anderson would like to thank the Belize Defence Force for all the help the Force has provided to him.
CONTENTS
Words about the Storyteller.
List of Illustrations.
FOREWORD
The Military - Ranks and Insignias.
Weapons.
Xibalba: Rivers and Trial Houses.
The Ballgame: Pitz.
Some Maya Phrases and Words often used.
Names of Folklore Characters and Caricatures: The Kechelaj Komon
Sisimito-Mahanamtz
CHAPTERS
I - - - Santa Cruz
2 - - - The Day After
3 - - - Unexpected Arrivals
4 - - - Encounter with Mal Viento: Evil Wind
5 - - - Taat’s Medicinal Talents
6 - - - The Chiquibul
7 - - - A Look at the Cosmos
8 - - - A Battle on the Floodplain
9 - - -Dark Lands, Death Lords, Dark House: Ee’hoch’e’en Ja
10 - - Rattling House or Cold House: Ke’el Ja
11 - - Bat House: Sotz’ Ja
12 - - Jaguar House: Baläm Ja
13 - - Razor House: U-yeh Ja
14 - - Hot House: K’íikab Ja
15 - - Planning and Strategies
16 - - The Ballgame: Pitz
17 - - River Of Scorpions: Nim-ja’ Ti’ Síina’ans
Preview of Sisimito III - Topoxte
APPENDIX
The Gods
Death Gods and Demon Gods of Xibalba
Kriol, Maya, and Spanish words in alphabetical order
Belize Folk Characters briefs and names used
Some Belize Defence Force Slangs
BIBLIOGRAPHY
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
1 - - Chiac’s March in his World - Southern Belize
2 - - The Honeymoon Hut
3 - - The Trail to Uch Ben Cah
4 - - The Altar at Uch Ben Cah
5 - - San Jose Hawiia as seen from Major Black Hill
6 - - Edwards Central
7 - - The Gorge on the Trail to Burgos Camp
8 - - Burgos Camp
9 - - The Tiered Flat Rocks
10 - - A Sudden Deep-hole
11 - - The Chiquibul Branch Tributary and a Sani-bay
12 - The Ek Baläm Prints
13 - The Battle at Chiquibul Branch
14 - The City of Xibalba
15 - The Cavern of Trials-Xibalba
16 - Battle Formation on the Sacbeob to the Nim-ja’ Ti’ Síina’ans
FOREWORD
THE MILITARY RANKS and INSIGNIAS
Nacon is a general name for ‘officer’.
T’oit’ik-jolom is a ‘Renowned Soldier/Warrior’ of any rank.
Waach - Private.
Oxib’ Nimal - Lance Corporal - 1 string necklace with 1 shell medallion.
Ukab Nimal - Corporal - 1 string necklace with 2 shell medallions.
Nabe Nimal - Sergeant - 1 string necklace with 3 shell medallions.
Oxib’ Nimal Nacon - Officer Cadet - 1 string necklace with 4 shell medallions.
Ukab Nimal Nacon - Second Lieutenant - 1 string necklace with 1 obsidian arrowhead.
Nabe Nimal Nacon - First Lieutenant - 1 string necklace with 2 obsidian arrowheads.
Oxib Nacon - Captain - 1 string necklace with 3 obsidian arrowheads.
Ukab Nacon - Major - 1 string necklace with 4 obsidian arrowheads.
Nabe Nacon - Lieutenant Colonel - 1 string necklace with 5 obsidian arrowheads.
Ukab Kaloonte’ - Brigadier - 1 string necklace with 1 jade temple medallion.
Nabe Kaloonte’ - Major General - 1 string necklace with 2 jade temple medallions.
Nim-q’ij Ukab Kaloonte’
- Lieutenant General - 1 string necklace with 3 jade temple medallions.
Nim-q’ij Nabe Kaloonte’ - General - 1 string necklace with 4 jade temple medallions.
RELATED MILITARY
Nabe - First.
Ukab - Second.
Oxib’ - Third.
Batab - War Chief.
Kohaw - War helmet made of stone such as pyrite, worn only by Ajaws and Kaloonte’s.
T’uup - Smallest Unit: Section, Squad, Fireteam.
WEAPONS
Ba’at - Wooden axe edged with flint and/or obsidian blades.
Bate’ - Spear.
Ch’ab - Arrow.
Ikaj - Stone axe.
Jatz’om - Spear thrower or atlatl.
K’iaqbal-ch’ab - Bow for shooting arrows.
K’iaqbal - Sling stone or dart.
Kus - Quiver for arrows.
Maquahuitl - Club.
Pub - Blowgun.
Q’osibal - Short, thick stick used as a weapon; club.
Sk’op - Bow and arrow together.
To’bal-rib - Shield.
U-yeh - Blade.
Wik’iaq - Slingshot or sling.
Xjos - Small sickle. (also: ixjos.)
XIBALBA
Vessel depicting deities in the Court of Xibalba.
RIVERS OF XIBALBA:
Nim-ja’ Ti’ Síina’ans - River of Scorpions.
Nim-ja’ Ti’ K’i’ik-River of Blood.
Nim-ja’ Ti’ Puh - River of Pus.
TRIAL HOUSES of the COUNCIL PLACE OF THE LORDS:
Ee’hoch’e’en Ja - Dark House.
Ke’el Ja - Cold House or Rattling House.
Baläm Ja - Jaguar House.
Sotz’ Ja - Bat house.
U-yeh Ja - Razor House.
K’íilkab Ja - Hot House.
THE BALLGAME – PITZ
Pitz - The name of the ballgame.
Ti Pitziil - The action of play. Only the head, hips, knees, elbows, and the yoke are allowed to hit the game ball (ol). In the Sisimito Series, the ankle is used.
Halaw - The ballcourt.
Ol - The game ball is made from a mixture of kik (rubber) and the Guamol tree.
Kipachq’ab’ - Equipment to protect the knees and elbows.
Pix’om - Equipment to protect the head.
Tz’um - Equipment to protect the hips.
Yoke - A yoke was used as a belt.
MAYA PHRASES/WORDS USED OFTEN
Áayin - Crocodile.
Áayin as it sleeps in the chokoh: Crocodile as it sleeps in the warm weather.
A’kl (Ke’kchi) - Trumpet Tree. Refers here to the dried leaves used for smoking. The Mopan word is cho-otz.
Baläm - General name for ‘jaguar’.
Batz - Howler Monkey.
Beyxan teen - Me too.
Chokoh - Warm weather.
Chakuj tutuchci - To work the stiff penis. To have sex.
Chan-koxol - Mosquito.
Cho-otz (Mopan) - Trumpet Tree. Refers here to the dried leaves used for smoking. The Ke’kchi word is A’kl.
Chúumuk Sacbeob - Central Road.
Hach-k’ek’en - Waari.
Icim - Mottled owl.
Ix Na Li Kawa - Mother Of God.
Ixca junes maka ka metzev - We are never stronger than when we are one.
Ja’ Xakanul is the name used for both the ‘water volcano’ and its ‘crater lake’.
K’uutz - Marijuana.
Ka xi’ik te’ex hatz’utzil - Good luck.
Kechelaj Jupuq - Jungle Horde of Sisimito’s enchanted animals.
Kechelaj Komon - Jungle Folk.
Ke’eleen: I’m cold.
Kitam - Peccary. Kriol is pikayri.
K’i’ik - blood.
Ko’one’ex - Let’s go.
Kool - Milpa.
Koolnáal - Milpero.
Kos - Laughing Falcon.
Krus-be - Crossroad.
Kua - Tortilla.
Lej-xajäbs - Sandals.
Mahanamtz - Sisimito.
Mix ba’al - Nothing.
Nacon - Military officer
Nah’ - Mother.
Nim-ja’ - River.
Nim-ja’ Ti’ K’i’ik - River of Blood.
Nim-ja’ Ti’ Puh - River of Pus.
Nim-ja’ Ti’ Síina’ans - River of Scorpions.
Puh - pus.
Sacbeob - Road.
Síina’an - Scorpion.
Taat - Father.
Tak-sáamal - Until tomorrow.
Tin bin ichkíil - I’m going to take a bath.
Tin bin tz’oon - I’m going hunting.
T’oit’ik-jolom - Renowned Soldier/Warrior.
Tóolok - Means ‘small lizard’ and is the name Chiac uses for his penis.
Tu laak’ k’iin - Until another day.
Tz’o’okeen: I am done.
U Wach Ulew - Name of the Surface World.
Xch’úup Xma’ K’aaba’ - Woman With No Name.
Xir - Cricket.
Ya’ax-chich - Jade.
Yaxché - The Sacred Ceiba Tree that holds the three levels of Maya cosmology together.
NOTE: For simplicity and clarity, in the Sisimito Series, the plural of Maya nouns is simply indicated by the addition of the letter ‘S’ except when that word already ends in ‘S’ or an ‘X’. When a word is ‘broken’, e.g. lej xajäbs, a hyphen is used for clarity, e.g. lej-xajäbs.
NAMES OF FOLKLORE CHARACTERS AND CARICATURES:
THE KECHELAJ KOMON.
For brief descriptions see the Appendix.
Alaj Chaj-r-ij Wíinik: Hashishi Pampi.
Alaj Ponopik: Duenditos.
Etzelal Iq’: Mozon.
Hach-k’ek’en Ajchaq’e: Waari Massa.
Kechelaj Jupuq: Jungle Horde.
Kechelaj Komon: Jungle Folk.
Kitam Ajchaq’e: El Dueño de Los Kekeos.
Mahanamatz: Sisimito.
Patzapik: Cadejo.
Q’eq Ja Wíinik: Negro de Agua.
Ralxik: Mahanamtz’ bocotora clapansaya.
Tata Ponopik: Tata Duende.
Xtabai: Xtabai.
Xwáay Kumätz: La Sirena.
Xwáay Éek’: La Sucia.
Xwáay Mulibal-k’ux’: La Sigua.
Xwáay Ok’ol: La Llorona.
Xwáay Chikoop: Ole Heg.
SISIMITO- MAHANAMTZ
“If you are a man and you see him, you will die within a month. If you are a woman and you see him, your life will be prolonged.”
Best described as a large, hairy gorilla with a head much like a human’s, Sisimito is a character that spans the legends of many of Belize’s ethnic groups, including the Garinagu, who call it Sisimidu. A Spanish word with the female form of Sisimita has no English translation and appears to have come from the Nahuatl word Tzitzimitl.
Tales of the Sisimito were told in the camps by the mahogany cutters of earlier days and are still passed along in villages like Ranchito and Hill Bank. He is said to inhabit high forest areas and to live in caves and rocky land. In the Toledo District, forest areas have decreased over the years because of agricultural development and the Ke’kchi believe that Tzultacah, the deity who protects them from wild animals, has taken Sisimito into the few densely jungled areas remaining; so, he is rarely seen today.
Among the Maya of San Antonio, the Sisimito is called Mahanamtz, the Maya word for a gorilla-like, mythical animal. Most accounts describe Sisimito in this way, saying also that he has no thumbs and only four fingers on each hand. He has no knees and his feet are turned backwards. His diet consists of raw meat and fruits and when feasting on human beings he will tear the body into several pieces before devouring it. Though fierce and malevolent towards humans, he is afraid of water and dogs and will avoid them at all costs.
He often assumes human form, lures people out of a village, and then kills them; because of
this, he is sometimes confused with Xtabai or La Llorona. A man who looks into Sisimito’s eyes and escapes usually dies within a month. A woman, on the other hand, has a prolonged life as a result. Male and female Sisimitos exist only in certain areas; they kill human members of the same sex and abduct, and sometimes rape, those of the opposite sex.
A young farmer from the Toledo District once reported that his wife had been carried off by a Sisimito and because authorities believed he had killed his wife they imprisoned him. Sometime later, a group of hunters discovered a wild-looking woman drinking at a stream by the hillside. They tried to capture her, but she struggled violently, more so when a Sisimito appeared at the top of the hill carrying a child who looked like a cross between a monkey and a human. The Sisimito shrieked wildly and purposely dropped the child. He then trampled down the hill and threw branches at the hunters who, nevertheless, managed to carry the woman away. When they brought her before the imprisoned man, however, he was unable to recognize her saying that his wife had been young and attractive unlike the wild, unsightly woman he saw before him.
The woman refused to speak or eat and she died a few days later, pining away for her lost child.
Especially on Sundays and religious holidays, such as Good Friday, Sisimito preys on hunters and other people who stray into the bush. He follows human footprints, with his main purpose being either to kill his victims or rip off their thumbs; he will also attack men who are killing animals needlessly or destroying the forest.