Santa Maria Nebaj has a mostly Mayan population, and is characterized by its green roofs.
We reached this community to discover the cause behind this colorful phenomenon. At first sight, it seems like the purpose is to become camouflaged with the nature surrounding the community: green mountains and valleys, as well as different species of trees and bushes. In this case, appearances are not deceptive, for, besides the colorfulness, clients from Nebaj say they use green sheets as a form of cult and to pay respect to the nature they admire.
It is no wonder, the population of this municipality preserves its cultural and spiritual essence from five centuries before the Christian era, around 2 500 years ago. This territory was essential for the commercial route to the Tikal city during the Classic Mayan period. In its cosmogony, green is the origin of everything created and recognizes the co-relation between nature and human beings. This color has been part of the community for centuries and, even though the bottom of the traditional clothing worn by women is red, they also wear green with white.
Santa Maria Nebaj is a colorful town with magical realism, and its name comes from the Ixil language, which means “where water is born.” Their inhabitants are direct descendants of the Mayan Civilization. To get there, it is necessary to travel 254 km from the capital, and it is under the jurisdiction of the Quiché department, on the Franja Transversal del Norte. It is also part of the known “Ixil Region”, located on the mountain chain Los Cuchumatanes.
On this occasion, you will hear from the expert who has seen closely and with numbers the growth and preference for the leading product, the green Premium sheet from Ternium. In 1990, the protagonist of this story placed the cornerstone to open the first hardware store in peaceful times. He started selling cement blocks, but now he distributes a great variety of construction materials, mainly Ternium Steel products. Some of the interviewees are witnesses of the durability of the sheets, which can be seen in the color that is maintained over the years.
This product that is also manufactured in blue, was an innovation from Ternium, and started its commercialization in Guatemala during 2014, in order to bring Central American roofs to life. This is the result of a technological process in which a sheet with a special covering was obtained in order to get that distinctive color. It also represents savings for the user since no paint is needed.
Green Primium sheets.