Lenca, Indians of the northern highlands of Honduras and El Salvador who are somewhat intermediate culturally between the Maya to the north and circum-Caribbean peoples such as the Kuna to the south.
The aboriginal culture of the Lenca has virtually disappeared and is not well known..
The majority of the Lenca community practice Roman Catholicism while still observing indigenous ceremonies and celebrations.
They blend the new and old traditions through religious festivals that venerate nature, the patron saints of the Catholic Church, and include animal sacrifices and prayer to ancestors..
Native religion
The couple was Itanipuca chief gods (thegreat father) and Ilanguipuca (the great mother), another god was Icelaca Lenca (Lenca god of time).
Shamanism was small and the shamans were usually women the best known legend Lenca legend Comizahual..
1. a. : an Indian people of central Honduras and Salvador. b. : a member of such people..
Lenca, Indians of the northern highlands of Honduras and El Salvador who are somewhat intermediate culturally between the Maya to the north and circum-Caribbean peoples such as the Kuna to the south.
The aboriginal culture of the Lenca has virtually disappeared and is not well known..
History of the Lenca Tribe
Historians believe the Lenca migrated from South America to the area that became El Salvador and Honduras in the eleventh century..
Their contact with the various Mayan groups and the Aztecan Pipil contributed much to their culture.
It is estimated that, at the time of the Conquest, the Lenca numbered between three and six hundred thousand and occupied around 26,000 square kilometers.
It is estimated that, at the time of the Conquest, the Lenca numbered between three and six hundred thousand and occupied around 26,000 square kilometers.
In the 1520s Spanish forces under Cort é s entered the Lenca region and attempted to conquer them.
The Lenca tried to defend themselves but were unable to resist.
The principal crop is corn (maize), although some European crops have been adopted.
Crafts include:
The Lenca, also known as Lepa Wiran, meaning “Jaguar People” or “People of The Jaguar” are an Indigenous people from present day southwest Honduras and eastern El Salvador in Central America.
They speak various dialects of the Lenca language such as:
