Traditions of the Cora Subject of New Exhibit
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An exhibition documenting the Holy Week traditions of the Cora, an indigenous group from Nayarit, is now open at the Museo Nacional de Culturas Populares in Mexico City.
"Judea, Semana Santa Cora," or "Judea, Cora Holy Week," compiles photographs by Guillermo Aldana, Fernando Rosales and Leticia Olvera taken in the Cora communities of Santa Teresa, La Mesa and Jesús María.
The rituals of the Cora combine traditionally Catholic elements with autochthonous practices, and are known for being among the most complex Holy Week ceremonies in the country.
The exhibit shows how the Cora symbolically erase their identities by painting themselves black, white and other colors, transforming themselves into "Jews" to hunt down the "Christ Sun," who will later be resurrected. Dancing as well as cathartic screaming are all part of the celebration.
While the bulk of the ceremonies take place outdoors over the course of three days, events begin in the town church, where a long-haired boy representing the "Boy Sun" holds mass.
The Museo Nacional de Culturas Populares is located at Avenida Hidalgo 289, Colonia del Carmen, Coyoacán. The exhibit will be open until June 10. |
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Vallarta Living | Art Talk | April 2009 
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