Case file · Folklore / legend
Aluxes in Chan Kom, Yucatán
In 'Chan Kom: A Maya Village' (1934), Robert Redfield and Alfonso Villa Rojas recorded the Yucatec belief in aluxes, small spirits that guard milpas and must be given offerings or they turn to mischief.
1934 CE · 20.43, -88.52 · status: legend
The account
Aluxes are often said to be made of clay and brought to life by a farmer. Modern stories in Yucatán and Quintana Roo blame them for construction accidents on roads and hotels until offerings are made; such ceremonies are still held. The coordinates are for Chan Kom.