David Nicola Ruiz (1966) began documenting the oral history and literature of western Belize in the early 1990’s. He was raised in Benque Viejo del Carmen, a quaint community cradled in the mystic valley of the Tipu which formed part of the dual frontier of Maya resistance in the 17th Century. The Mestizo culture in the area manifests the syncretism of indigenous peoples tinted with the romanticism of the 19th Century ladino migrants that gave birth to a rich oral lore and a tradition of story telling. The spirituality and magic of his people continue to be the inspiration of David Nicolas. Once again, David Nicolas delves into the historical and cultural consciousness of his people, to bring out tales and fancies in an oral tradition which is fast eroding.
