Chontal of Tabasco

ETHNONYMS: Chontales, Chontal Maya, Chontal Mayan, Yocotan, Yokot'an

Kinship

The Chontal Maya kinship system is now bilateral, and Spanish kin terms are often used. Chontal kin terms differ from their Spanish counterparts in that they often stress age relative to Ego. Ritual kinship, compadrazgo (coparenthood), is widely practiced in baptisms, weddings, and other key events in the life of the Chontal Maya.

SUSAN M. KNOWLES-BERRY