Sisimito I--Ox Witz Ha Read online

  Published by:

  Jabiru Books Belize

  Placencia, Belize.

  Website: http://jabirubooksbelize.com

  First Edition Published 2013.

  Second Edition Published 2017

  Copyright © 2013 and 2017 Henry W. Anderson MBBS, 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.

  First Edition:

  Printed Book ISBN: 978-976-8197-76-4

  E-Book ISBN: 978-976-8197-77-1

  Second Edition:

  Printed Book ISBN: 978-976-95561-5-7

  EAN: 9789769556157

  E-Book ISBN: 978-976-95561-8-8

  EAN: 9789769556188

  CONTENTS

  WORDS about the Storyteller

  THE LONELY SOLDIER

  LIST of Illustrations

  FOREWORD

  The Ballgame – PITZ

  The FOLKLORE Characters and Caricatures:

  The Kechelaj Komon

  Sisimito (Mahanamatz)

  CHAPTERS

  1–The Road to Santa Cruz.

  2–The Celtic Cross.

  3–Expedition Bold.

  4–The Mexican Branch.

  5–All Fools Day at The Fork.

  6–Walking Up the Cockscomb Branch.

  7–The Lonesome Valley.

  8–Sisimito’s Cavern.

  9–A Jungle Wedding.

  10—First Flight.

  11—The Hidden ValleyFalls.

  12—The Halach Uinic (Ajawinel K’an II).

  13—The Nim-q’ij (Royal) City of Ox Witz Ha.

  14—The BallcourtBallcourt (Halaw) and the Sacred Cenote (Ch’ajch’oj Tz’ono’ot).

  15—Second Flight.

  16—The Apparition.

  17—Six Months Later.

  Preview of Sisimito II – Xibalba.

  NOTES

  APPENDIX

  Expedition Bold.

  Belize Folk Characters briefs and names used in the Sisimito Series.

  Caracol - Ox Witz Ha.

  BIBLIOGRAPHY.

  WORDS ABOUT THE STORYTELLER.

  On the Trail to Edwards Central.

  April 11, 2017

  Dr. Henry W. Anderson was born in Dangriga, Belize. He received his medical degree, MBBS, 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 Guard. 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, and was Chairman of the Board of Governors, Stann Creek Ecumenical High School.

  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, Sisimito II – Xibalba, and Sisimito III - Topoxte. A 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.

  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 I - Ox Witz Ha: First novel of the Sisimito Series, second edition. The first edition is titled Sisimito.

  Sisimito II - Xibalba: Second novel of the Sisimito Series.

  Sisimito III - Topoxte: Third novel of the Sisimito Series.

  Christ Son Of Man - The Voyage to Araboth II. - A Science Fiction/Religious novel.

  THE LONELY SOLDIER

  I crouch down

  On the dirty slush

  Of wet, wet ground.

  All is soddened,

  And the rains pour on

  From a heavy Heaven.

  Everywhere is dark

  And I am alone,

  Except for my friend–

  My cold triggered friend.

  Everywhere is fear

  For Death lingers near.

  I feel Death with every breath,

  With every sound, with every shadow.

  I know,

  It won’t be long

  I’ll be dead;

  And no one will know,

  No one will lay me to rest,

  For I am in a strange land

  Beyond the frontiers of friendship.

  Why do I torture

  Waiting only?

  Make it easy, dear Death,

  One bullet find me.

  I feel cold,

  But I shiver not.

  Perhaps, I am colder than the rain.

  I must go on.

  To sit and wait for Death is death itself.

  There is a chance,

  Though slim,

  I may yet walk across the lines …

  Or do I dream

  Like men when all is lost?

  Oh! Fools to dream of better times

  When life itself is almost done.

  I slowly rise and

  I walk on.

  ‘Tis strange how

  Fate will have her way.

  Is she stronger than He?

  ‘Tis blasphemy!

  But who questions not

  When he faces Death

  And wants it not?

  And on I go,

  Step by step,

  Waiting only

  For what I know will come.

  Oh Death,

  Should you come,

  Come soon and swift,

  I beg thee.

  From: The Son of Kinich - Illustrated Poetical Works.

  By Dr. Henry W. Anderson.

  ISBN # 976-8111-24-0.r />
  LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

  1: Molly and Sergeant Chiac’s Bus Journey.

  2: The Page of Cups.

  3: The Celtic Cross.

  4: Sergeant Chiac’s Walk – Expedition Bold.

  5: The Kendal River looking West.

  6: The Kendal River looking East.

  7: The Overloaded Crocus-bag Bergen.

  8: Taking a last look at the deserted AlabamaAlabama banana shed.

  9: Marching into the Unknown. Pte. Hulse, M. Pte. Taylor, R. Pte. Anderson, H. and Mr. Harry Parham.

  10: The Victoria Peak and the Cockscomb Basin as viewed from the east.

  11: Juan Branch. Pte. Taylor, R. Pte. Anderson, H. Mr. Harry Parham.

  12: Juan Branch. Pte. Hulse, M. Mr. Harry Parham.

  13: Preparing the Camp Site. Privates Anderson and Hulse, and Mr. Parham.

  14: The Tapesco. Private Anderson and Mr. Parham.

  15: The Mysterious Mexican Branch Camp.

  16: Pte. Hulse, M. at Mexican Branch.

  17: Parham’s Mountain.

  18: The “Haul-Am-Back’ vine with Mr. Parham, and Privates Taylor, Anderson, and Hulse taking a rest before completing the ascent.

  19: From the Summit, the first view of the Cockscomb Range. Seven and a half miles away.

  20: LCpl. Shal, B., aka Lance Corporal-the-Bas-Shal, at a small creek at the bottom of a ravine.

  21: LCpl Shal, B. taking a rest.

  22: The boulders at The Fork. Private Anderson, Mr. Clarke, Private Taylor and Mr. Parham.

  23: Taking a break at The Fork. Privates Anderson, Taylor, and Hulse.

  24: Private Anderson relaxing at The Fork.

  25: Private Hulse and Mr. Parham exploring The Fork.

  26: Mr. Vincent Clarke enjoying The Fork.

  27: Private Hulse and Mr. Clarke cooling off in the rapids at The Fork.

  28: Walking up the Cockscomb Branch (1).

  29: Walking up the Cockscomb Branch (2).

  30: The attack of the Bocotora clapansaya.

  31: A prevalence of Stranglers, Dead and Dying trees, and the Mountain Lion with an Owl (Icim) on its back.

  32: Mr. Parham prepares to have his feet examined by Pte. Anderson, H.

  33: A Dense Chaparral.

  34: A Dense Chaparral and Thorny Leaves.

  35: The Mottled Owl (Icim) in the Covert.

  36: The Covert. Privates Hulse and Taylor, Mr. Vincent Clarke, Private Anderson.

  37: Victoria Peak and the Cockscomb Range. Three miles away.

  38: Victoria Peak and the Cockscomb Range, three miles away, viewed with binoculars.

  39: Sisimito‘s Cavern. (Actually, the Rio Frio Cave)

  40: Inside Sisimito’s Cavern.

  41: The Golden Grass on the Summit. (Actually, Cooma Cairn, Mountain Pine Ridge).

  42: Victoria Peak and the Cockscomb Range as seen from the Summit.

  43: The Hidden Valley Falls.

  44: Ox Witz Ha Core Site.

  45: Today’s Caana (Sky Palace) and an Artist’s Reconstruction.

  46: Chiac’s Ox Witz Ha.

  47: Maxam’s Arrowhead and Ox Witz Ha’s Defence.

  48: The approach to Cabbage Haul Gap showing the Forest Officer’s Home and the Fire Watch and Reporting Station.

  49: The Fire Watch and Reporting Station.

  50: Victoria Peak as seen from the Cabbage Haul Gap.

  51: Maya Northern and Southern Lowlands, and the Maya Highlands.

  52: Caracol (Ox Witz Ha) Core Site.

  FOREWORD

  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.

  NAMES OF FOLKLORE CHARACTERS AND CARICATURES:

  THE KECHELAJ KOMON.

  In the Sisimito Series, Maya names are used for the members of the Kechelaj Komon. Below, the Belizean names are listed first, generally, followed by the Maya names. For a brief description of each member, see the Appendix.

  Cadejo: Patzapik.

  Duenditos: Alaj Ponopiks.

  El Dueño de Los Kekeos: Kitam Ajchaq’e.

  Hashishi Pampi: Alaj Chaj-r-ij Wíinik.

  Kechelaj Jupuq: Sisimito’s enchanted Jungle Horde of animals.

  Kechelaj Komon: Jungle Folk.

  La Llorona: Xwáay Ok’ol.

  La Sigua: Xwáay Mulibal-k’ux’.

  La Sirena: Xwáay Kumätz.

  La Sucia: Xwáay Éek.

  Mozon: Etzelal Iq’.

  Negro de Agua: Q’eq Ja Wíinik.

  Ole Heg: Xwáay Chikoop.

  Ralxik: Mahanamtz’ bocotora clapansaya.

  Sisimito: Mahanamatz.

  Tata Duende: Tata Ponopik.

  Waari Massa: Hach-k’ek’en Ajchaq’e.

  Xtabai: Xtabai.

  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 him 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 o
n Sundays and religious holidays, such as Good Friday, SISIMITO preys 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 ani-mals needlessly or destroying the forest.

  SISIMITO harbors an intense desire to learn to speak and, in a desperate attempt, will kidnap children with hopes of learning to talk from them. The children cannot be rescued because the trail leading into the forest can be wiped out by the SISIMITO who sometimes reverses his feet and runs heels foremost. He is fascinated by fire and will sit patiently by a hunter’s fire until it goes out and then dines on the embers.

  Despite all this, he is not invincible and can be outsmarted in various ways. He can be shot in the face; the rest of his body is protected by thick hair and would not be affected by bullets. Also, on seeing SISIMITO, you can strip naked and dance and jump about, making him laugh uncontrollably until he falls down unconscious. If you dance in a circle he will try to follow you, but because his feet are on backwards he will trip and fall.

  Some say that he fears his own blood and, to make him run away, you can hand him your machete and, while his hand is grasping it, quickly pull the machete away causing him to cut his hand deeply.

  The SISIMITO can, in fact, be tricked in a couple of ways because of his limited intelligence. When you walk away from him he becomes confused, thinking that you are actually approaching him. Sometimes, you can make a path of footprints that lead into the bush and SISIMITO, unable to follow the trail any longer, will turn and begin to follow his own footsteps, thinking they are someone else’s. The ultimate way to get rid of him, however, is to set fire to his long hair.