The Gomez Brito family have a single lemon tree on their land. The family are Ixil Mayans living near the village of Nebaj in a remote mountain region, inaccessible to outsiders until modern times. As a result of their isolation the Ixil Mayans long maintained their traditional beliefs and way of dress, but in the late 1970s and 1980s the region was engulfed in a civil war and many indigenous people were displaced. When peace returned in the 1990s the family, like many others, were able to return to their traditional ways. Mother Juanita and father Andrés live with their nine children. They work on small plots of land that have belonged to their family for generations. From sunrise to sunset the family collect fruit and berries, cultivate corn and beans, and tend their animals.

Maria (7) takes a rest after picking blueberries.

The Gomez Brito family are Ixil Mayans living near the village of Nebaj in a remote mountain region, inaccessible to outsiders until modern times. As a result of their isolation the Ixil Mayans long maintained their traditional beliefs and way of dress, but in the late 1970s and 1980s the region was engulfed in a civil war and many indigenous people were displaced. When peace returned in the 1990s the family, like many others, were able to return to their traditional ways. Mother Juanita and father Andrés live with their nine children. They work on small plots of land that have belonged to their family for generations. From sunrise to sunset the family collect fruit and berries, cultivate corn and beans, and tend their animals.

The Gomez Brito family have 12 chickens. The Gomez Brito's are Ixil Mayans living near the village of Nebaj in a remote mountain region, inaccessible to outsiders until modern times. As a result of their isolation the Ixil Mayans long maintained their traditional beliefs and way of dress, but in the late 1970s and 1980s the region was engulfed in a civil war and many indigenous people were displaced. When peace returned in the 1990s the family, like many others, were able to return to their traditional ways. Mother Juanita and father Andrés live with their nine children. They work on small plots of land that have belonged to their family for generations. From sunrise to sunset the family collect fruit and berries, cultivate corn and beans, and tend their animals.

Elisabeth (12) hugs her brother Roberto (3), the youngest child in the Gomez Brito family, whom does not yet take part in daily work.

The family are Ixil Mayans living near the village of Nebaj in a remote mountain region, inaccessible to outsiders until modern times. As a result of their isolation the Ixil Mayans long maintained their traditional beliefs and way of dress, but in the late 1970s and 1980s the region was engulfed in a civil war and many indigenous people were displaced. When peace returned in the 1990s the family, like many others, were able to return to their traditional ways. Mother Juanita and father Andrés live with their nine children. They work on small plots of land that have belonged to their family for generations. From sunrise to sunset the family collect fruit and berries, cultivate corn and beans, and tend their animals.

Eliseo (10) carries the Gomez Brito family dog. The dog follows him each morning on the long walk to the other side of the mountain to look after the horses. The Gomez Brito family are Ixil Mayans living near the village of Nebaj in a remote mountain region, inaccessible to outsiders until modern times. As a result of their isolation the Ixil Mayans long maintained their traditional beliefs and way of dress, but in the late 1970s and 1980s the region was engulfed in a civil war and many indigenous people were displaced. When peace returned in the 1990s the family, like many others, were able to return to their traditional ways. Mother Juanita and father Andrés live with their nine children. They work on small plots of land that have belonged to their family for generations. From sunrise to sunset the family collect fruit and berries, cultivate corn and beans, and tend their animals.

Women of the Gomez Brito family help sowing beans. Usually they stay at home working on household chores and help in the fields during busy times.

The Gomez Brito family are Ixil Mayans living near the village of Nebaj in a remote mountain region, inaccessible to outsiders until modern times. As a result of their isolation the Ixil Mayans long maintained their traditional beliefs and way of dress, but in the late 1970s and 1980s the region was engulfed in a civil war and many indigenous people were displaced. When peace returned in the 1990s the family, like many others, were able to return to their traditional ways. Mother Juanita and father Andrés live with their nine children. They work on small plots of land that have belonged to their family for generations. From sunrise to sunset the family collect fruit and berries, cultivate corn and beans, and tend their animals.

Faustino (18) stands by the house while Magdalena (17) sews.

The Gomez Brito family are Ixil Mayans living near the village of Nebaj in a remote mountain region, inaccessible to outsiders until modern times. As a result of their isolation the Ixil Mayans long maintained their traditional beliefs and way of dress, but in the late 1970s and 1980s the region was engulfed in a civil war and many indigenous people were displaced. When peace returned in the 1990s the family, like many others, were able to return to their traditional ways. Mother Juanita and father Andrés live with their nine children. They work on small plots of land that have belonged to their family for generations. From sunrise to sunset the family collect fruit and berries, cultivate corn and beans, and tend their animals.

David (6) searches for seeds in the ground.

The Gomez Brito family are Ixil Mayans living near the village of Nebaj in a remote mountain region, inaccessible to outsiders until modern times. As a result of their isolation the Ixil Mayans long maintained their traditional beliefs and way of dress, but in the late 1970s and 1980s the region was engulfed in a civil war and many indigenous people were displaced. When peace returned in the 1990s the family, like many others, were able to return to their traditional ways. Mother Juanita and father Andrés live with their nine children. They work on small plots of land that have belonged to their family for generations. From sunrise to sunset the family collect fruit and berries, cultivate corn and beans, and tend their animals.

The Gomez Brito family burn back their cornfield to prepare for the next season.

The family are Ixil Mayans living near the village of Nebaj in a remote mountain region, inaccessible to outsiders until modern times. As a result of their isolation the Ixil Mayans long maintained their traditional beliefs and way of dress, but in the late 1970s and 1980s the region was engulfed in a civil war and many indigenous people were displaced. When peace returned in the 1990s the family, like many others, were able to return to their traditional ways. Mother Juanita and father Andrés live with their nine children. They work on small plots of land that have belonged to their family for generations. From sunrise to sunset the family collect fruit and berries, cultivate corn and beans, and tend their animals.

The Gomez Brito family are Ixil Mayans living near the village of Nebaj in a remote mountain region, inaccessible to outsiders until modern times. As a result of their isolation the Ixil Mayans long maintained their traditional beliefs and way of dress, but in the late 1970s and 1980s the region was engulfed in a civil war and many indigenous people were displaced. When peace returned in the 1990s the family, like many others, were able to return to their traditional ways. Mother Juanita and father Andrés live with their nine children without electricity. They work on small plots of land that have belonged to their family for generations. From sunrise to sunset the family collect fruit and berries, cultivate corn and beans, and tend their animals.

David (6) takes a break from work. The Gomez Brito family are Ixil Mayans living near the village of Nebaj in a remote mountain region, inaccessible to outsiders until modern times. As a result of their isolation the Ixil Mayans long maintained their traditional beliefs and way of dress, but in the late 1970s and 1980s the region was engulfed in a civil war and many indigenous people were displaced. When peace returned in the 1990s the family, like many others, were able to return to their traditional ways. Mother Juanita and father Andrés live with their nine children. They work on small plots of land that have belonged to their family for generations. From sunrise to sunset the family collect fruit and berries, cultivate corn and beans, and tend their animals.

Getting a haircut.

The Gomez Brito family are Ixil Mayans living near the village of Nebaj in a remote mountain region, inaccessible to outsiders until modern times. As a result of their isolation the Ixil Mayans long maintained their traditional beliefs and way of dress, but in the late 1970s and 1980s the region was engulfed in a civil war and many indigenous people were displaced. When peace returned in the 1990s the family, like many others, were able to return to their traditional ways. Mother Juanita and father Andrés live with their nine children. They work on small plots of land that have belonged to their family for generations. From sunrise to sunset the family collect fruit and berries, cultivate corn and beans, and tend their animals.

People in the News,3rd prize