Pomuch and The Ritual of Choo Ba'Ak: When Death Is Part of Life

• Prize
  Silver in People/Culture
• Photographer
  Iván Macías
• Agency / Studio
  Iván Macías Studio
• Technical Info
  Sony A7r V
• Photo Date
  11-24-2024

The Choo Ba'ak is a Mayan ritual in Mexico held about 10 days before the Day of the Dead. Families clean and care for their ancestors' bones, preserving a tradition from pre-Hispanic times. For the Mayans, death was a continuous part of life, not an end, and this ritual reflects that view. Choo Ba'ak is both an act of devotion and a sign of cultural resilience in Pomuch, where it remains central to identity. It’s a unique example of integrating death into daily life, challenging us to rethink respect for the deceased, where closeness to remains symbolizes love and continuity.