Q'alel

Q'alel es uno de los oficios importantes en la compleja estructura política del pueblo k'iche'. La voz q'alel es, según afirma el lingüista k'iche' Sam Colop (2008: 196n334) "derivada de q'alaj 'claridad' ... o de q'aq' 'fuego' por lo que significa poder." Edmonson (1971: 231) y Tedlock (1996:185) interpretan la palabra como "capitán" o "ministro", no obstante Carmack (1983: 223) dice, así citado también por Colop, '"El K'alel era un cargo con funciones judiciales.'"

Anthropologist Allen J. Christenson (2007: 262-3n718), glossing the term in its related context of the Ajaw Q'alel office of the Nija'ib' lineage, notes, "This is another office within the Quiché hierarchy that has no English equivalent. It is the third highest position within the Nima Quiché line (after Ah Pop and Ah Pop of the Reception House). The title is specifically linked with the Nihaib lineage. Neither the Cavec, the Ajau Quichés, nor the Zaquics (the other three lineages within the Nima Quiché alliance) have a Q'alel title. Colonial dictionaries give a variety of descriptive meanings to it including 'cacique' (Spanish for a native chief), 'generous person, prince' (Coto), or simply an 'important person' (Varea). Coto also lists ah εalel as a 'constable.' Basseta defines calel achi as a 'captain of soldiers.' In modern Quiché, the title is given to judges, and some early dictionaries suggest that this office may have included judicial functions as well. The title is likely something akin to 'magistrate' with duties that include peacekeeping and military activity."