* 𝕮𝖚𝖗𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖒𝖔 *- Tshiteya

A multimedia project taking a deep dive into Curanderismo, indigenous folk healing, and the impact it carries throughout Tejana culture. for Tejana Cultural Studies

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Different Mayan Artist's rendition of

~ 𝒞𝒰𝑅𝒜𝒩𝒟𝐸𝑅𝒮𝐼𝑀𝒪 ~

In each photo, one could identify aspects of spirituality, healing, or medical aid depicted in each artists specific style. Their perspective on the different rituals, practice, and healing styles of curandera/os varies by artist, a testament to the longevity and multifaceted nature of Curanderismo.

Both pieces are titled, Comadrona, meaning, midwife.

Each of these pieces shows a ritual, cleansing or spiritual affair.

Here we have a patient and their Curandero, a relatable experience by many standards.

All pieces courtesy of artemaya.com

PICTURED

1.Art/Imagen: Comadrona © Mario Gonzalez Mendoza (Maya; Guatemala), courtesy of ArteMaya.com

2.Art/Imagen: Comadrona © Julian Coche Mendoza (Maya; Guatemala), courtesy of ArteMaya.com

3.Art/Imagen: Curacion Maya © Mario Gonzalez Chavajay (Maya; Guatemala), courtesy of ArteMaya.com

4.Art/Imagen: Baños Medicinales © Diego Isaias Hernandez (Maya; Guatemala), courtesy of ArteMaya.com

5.Art/Imagen: Zanacion Maya © Mario Gonzalez Chavajay (Maya; Guatemala), courtesy of ArteMaya.com

6.Art/Imagen: Curandero © Domingo Garcia Criado (Maya; Guatemala), courtesy of ArteMaya.com

7.Art/Imagen: Curandero de Hueso © Mario Gonzalez Chavajay (Maya; Guatemala), courtesy of ArteMaya.com

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Hear directly from Professor Eliseo Torres of University of New Mexico and his perspective on Curanderismo.

He begins with an explanation of its history as well as his connection to healing. From there on we can see contemporary practicing of rituals while Torres explains each ritual and its significance. This portion of the video also explored the holisticness of Curanderismo, how healers treat the body, mind, and soul.

In his speech, Eliseo Torres highlighted an important aspect of Curanderismo, which is a relationship with Mother Earth. This video was a chance to demonstrate the importance of Indigenous health practices and sort of call folks to action! Get holistic yall!

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art by Carmen Lomas Garzas

Her artwork is astounding. Each piece of hers correctly captures the essence of community and healing found within Curanderismo.

Sharing the same title of La Curandera, piece one and two demonstrate an intimate gathering of family while the local healer pays a visit. There are many nuances in Garzas art here to note, as there is a fifteen year gap in the production of each piece, the color piece coming into fruition later on.

Piece one includes many artifacts of catholicism, for example a small alter with a painting of La Virgen de Guadalupe as well as multiple crosses in the home. This piece also opens the audience's eyes up to family and community dynamics, as it features each family member with a different role.

Piece two is smaller gathering of family members during a person's healing session. Here we see color, all over the room, maybe as a sign of Lomas ingenuity or simply a sign of the times. The inclusion of the child in this piece is contrasting Piece one directly, as it featured the child outside the home. There is a certain intimacy pictured between the healer and the sick, a look of love.

Finally, piece three is a different type of media by Garzas. Here she shows an ofrenda or offering altar, used by many religious folks in the community. An ofrenda is known for commemorating or giving praise to a deity, or showing care for a passed loved one. This is important to Curanderismo, as the spiritual aspect of the practice dictates a good standing with the spirits can impact your health.

PICTURED > via Google arts & culture

La Curandera (1974)

La Curandera (1989)

Ofrenda (1988) Located in the National Museum of Mexican Art.

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✧✧𝐻𝐸𝒜𝐿𝐼𝒩𝒢 𝑅𝐼𝒯𝒰𝒜𝐿𝒮 ✧✧

In these photos , we see intimate rituals being conducted on individuals by their curandera or curandero. These photos were selected as they showed women's role in healing was just as great as men. The photos also feature a variety in ages of people who use Curanderismo, demonstrating a long lasting practice.

Photo one shows the use of a fern or a eucalyptus leaf in their ritual, most likely a type of cleansing for a somatic sickness with spiritual roots.

Photo two shoes a limpia or egg cleansing ritual. Again this ritual is used when a person is believed to have a spiritual hex or bad word put on them after experiencing a series of unlucky, or negative situations.

PICTURED

"Blessing 02" (1975). Curanderismo Photographs. 271. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/curanderismophotographs/271

"Being cured 03" (1975). Curanderismo Photographs. 264.https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/curanderismophotographs/264

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WHAT IS 𝓒𝓤ℛ𝓐𝓝𝓓𝓔ℛ𝓢𝓘ℳ𝓞 cont.

A beautiful painting representing the significance of femininity and womanhood to Curanderismo, and the personification of Earth.

PICTURED

La Curandera de la Madre Tierra (Healer Of Mother Earth) by Richardo Ortega

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WHAT IS 𝓒𝓤𝓡𝓐𝓝𝓓𝓔𝓡𝓘𝓢𝓜𝓞 ?

Curanderismo, A centuries old practice prioritizing the connection in mind body spirit and soul in one's health journey. Noted as influenced by Catholicism and Judeo-Christian beliefs and rituals and Indigenous ingenuity and herbal knowledge, The act of healing is via a curandera/o (healer).

PICTURED > from pinterest

1.A prepared altar for prayer or rituals. Here you see different objects next to the candle for La Virgen de Guadalupe signifying some sort of sacrifice as well.

2.Herbs and spices in small bowls next to a molcajete, which is a tool used to pound mix and crush spices.

3.In her hands are different necklaces with feathers and beads called rosaries. These are connected deeply to the catholic faith, with similarities found in Curanderismo as they too consider La Virgen de Guadalupe a prominent figure.