Chol

Chol, also spelled Ch’ol, refers to a Maya-speaking indigenous group and to the language they speak. The Chol are primarily found in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, and in western Guatemala, with communities in departments such as Huehuetenango and Quiché. They are part of the broader Cholan sub-branch of the Mayan language family and share cultural and historical ties with other Maya groups.

The Chol language, or Ch’ol, is one of the Cholan Mayan languages. It consists of several dialects and is typically written using the Latin alphabet. Most Chol people are bilingual in Spanish, and language vitality varies by community. Educational and cultural programs in recent decades have aimed to preserve and revitalize Chol, including literacy efforts in the language and the use of Chol in local media and cultural activities.

Historically, Chol communities practiced maize-based agriculture and maintained a rich tradition of ritual and communal life. Under colonial rule they experienced disruption to traditional authority structures and religion, followed by integration into modern national systems. In contemporary times, Chol communities participate in regional and national indigenous movements, advocate for land and language rights, and navigate social and economic changes while preserving elements of traditional identity.

Culture among the Chol traditionally includes distinctive textile arts, crafts, and dress, as well as music and dance associated with community ceremonies. Religious life often blends Mayan beliefs with Catholicism and other influences, reflecting a syncretic spiritual landscape.

See also: Mayan languages, Chiapas, Guatemala.