Mixe dance of reconciliation in Tamazulapan Mixe , Oaxaca, MexicoThe Mixe of Tamazulapan Mixe live in the mountains above the central valley of Oaxaca. During a trip to document the textiles of the region in 2001, I was invited to film this dance and festival. In the Mixe belief system the male and female spirit lived in harmony for many years, however after a while they fell apart and each went to live in there own mountain. This dance is to help reconcile these two powerful spirits for the benefit of the family and especially the children. In the beginning of the film Mixe women are kneeling and praying in front of the small cave where the female spirit lives. The Mixe are also famous for their musical bands, which you can hear playing, this dance although compressed into two minutes lasts all day. The women start to dance at first and are gradually joined by the men. Each man has an offering of flowers and the “staff of authority” which he eventually gives to his wife. If you watch closely you will notice a stripped stick, that’s it. As in most ceremonies there is a common kitchen where the community gets together and they feed every one. So when you see the caldron of soup and the Mixe tamales you can bet it is really good. For more about the mixe visit http://www.mexicantextiles.com/grouppages/mixe1.html thanksbob Less