Lencas

Lencas, a large group of aborigines occupying parts of the Mosquito territory and Honduras, Central America. At present the term Lenca is applied indifferently to all the Honduras Indians, and thus comprises several tribes, such as the Toacas and Xicacs, who speak quite distinct languages. But all resemble each other in their physical traits, low stature, thick-set frames, robust constitution, and extraordinary staying power as carriers of heavy loads. The Xicacs are still in the wild state; but most of the others are Ladinos, semi-civilised half-breeds, claiming to be Catholics, though still practising many pagan rites and preserving their old patriarchal customs. The Payas (Poyas) of the Rio Negro and about Cape Cameron still dwell in huge barracks, 60 to 80 feet long by 30 feet deep, in which many families have each their own chambers all under one roof.