MEXICO
THE SAGE OF MEXICO
NEREYDAS
Zapotec Woman
#1 of 197
Hello. I’m Benjamin, the artist behind Quest of Sages. Thank you for joining me on my journey to photograph one person from every country in the world.
If it’s your first time here, I invite you to learn more about the project below.
You can also find information on our nonprofit organization’s initiative to preserve culture and connect humanity through the arts here.
ABOUT THE ZAPOTEC PEOPLE
On the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in southern Mexico lies Juchitan, home to the descendants of the Zapotec people. The Zapotecs have a long history in the region, most notably being known throughout Mexico as a matriarchal society where women hold positions of power in both the family and the community. The women of Juchitan are particularly renowned for their strong independent spirit and play an important role in the economy. They are often involved in crafting and selling traditional goods like baskets and textiles. In addition to the empowerment of women, the Zapotec culture embraces a ‘third gender’ called muxes. Muxes are people who are assigned male at birth but identify as female. They dress and act like women while occupying traditionally feminine roles in society. In Juchitan, muxes are especially respected and even celebrated.
Mexico has a rich and complex history that can be traced back to the early indigenous civilizations that flourished in the region. These indigenous cultures, such as the Olmecs, the Maya, and the Aztecs, left a lasting legacy that can still be seen in Mexico today. The lives of the indigenous peoples of Mexico were changed forever by the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
The Spanish conquistadors were led by Hernán Cortés, who landed in Mexico in 1519 with a small force of soldiers. Cortés quickly gained the support of some of the indigenous people, who were unhappy with the rule of the Aztec emperor, Montezuma II. With his allies, Cortés marched on the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, and captured it in 1521. The fall of Tenochtitlan marked the end of Aztec rule in Mexico. The Spanish then set about colonizing the country, imposing their culture and religion on the indigenous people. Over time, these local customs and Spanish influences began to mix, creating a unique culture reflected in its food, art, music, and traditions.
ABOUT MEXICO
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Travelogue
Learn how I met Nereydas, the first person I photographed on my quest to take a portrait of one citizen from every country in the world.
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Partner Organization: Khadi Oaxaca
In each country, a partnership is formed with a local organization to gain a better understanding of the culture and the issues facing their community. Through these partnerships, we are able to build trust and create lasting relationships that work toward Quest of Sages’ initiative of empowering individuals, causes and organizations across the globe through innovative storytelling and collaboration with the arts.
