3 of 4 in series
From the Artist:
Yoemía, loosely translated as the Yaqui way of life, embodies our cultural identity, spirituality, and connection to community and land. This series captures youth ceremonial dancers in The Río Yaqui, Sonora, Mexico. The intimacy shared with my people in Sonora brings me a sense of belonging. Even though I have grown up surrounded by my culture and ceremonies, there is a deeper sense of community and connection that I feel while I am there.
Photographing our ceremonies is not allowed here in the States. From what my own family has told me they hold a certain energy... but also to preserve the sacred nature of it. In these images you see one of the youth groups in Sonora, the Pascola dancers, and the “Maaso” Deer Dance. In Sonora, taking photos is usually allowed. If I see other community members taking pictures, it's fine, but if not, I respect that. While some may see my photos as taboo, my talks with people in our pueblos in Mexico over the years have changed my perspective.
They all speak on the importance of documenting and preserving our culture, as they take pride in who they are. This woman once told me that, as an Indigenous Yoeme woman, I have a responsibility to reclaim our narratives and document our people's stories on our own terms, which made me feel more appreciative of it. Archiving our people and history to pass it down to future generations and keep our culture alive.
Chiokoe Utte'esia,
Elexus
This artwork will be delivered by CALA Alliance 2 weeks after September 21 (Day of closure)
3 of 4 in series
From the Artist:
Yoemía, loosely translated as the Yaqui way of life, embodies our cultural identity, spirituality, and connection to community and land. This series captures youth ceremonial dancers in The Río Yaqui, Sonora, Mexico. The intimacy shared with my people in Sonora brings me a sense of belonging. Even though I have grown up surrounded by my culture and ceremonies, there is a deeper sense of community and connection that I feel while I am there.
Photographing our ceremonies is not allowed here in the States. From what my own family has told me they hold a certain energy... but also to preserve the sacred nature of it. In these images you see one of the youth groups in Sonora, the Pascola dancers, and the “Maaso” Deer Dance. In Sonora, taking photos is usually allowed. If I see other community members taking pictures, it's fine, but if not, I respect that. While some may see my photos as taboo, my talks with people in our pueblos in Mexico over the years have changed my perspective.
They all speak on the importance of documenting and preserving our culture, as they take pride in who they are. This woman once told me that, as an Indigenous Yoeme woman, I have a responsibility to reclaim our narratives and document our people's stories on our own terms, which made me feel more appreciative of it. Archiving our people and history to pass it down to future generations and keep our culture alive.
Chiokoe Utte'esia,
Elexus
This artwork will be delivered by CALA Alliance 2 weeks after September 21 (Day of closure)