La Sierra de Zongalica, Veracruz

The Mexican state of Veracruz has been occupied by a wide range of Indigenous cultures over the past 3,000 years— long before the Spanish arrived in there in 1519. As of 2010, Veracruz was the third largest Indigenous-speaking Mexican state, with Nahuatl being the most common language spoken. Veracruz has a diverse topography, ranging from tropical coastal plains to temperate valleys, and the Sierra Madre Mountains. With an abundance of rainfall, the soil is generally rich—especially in the coastal plains—making the state a leading producer of coffee, sugarcane, corn and rice in the nation.

All the women featured in this exhibit live in small villages in La Sierra de Zongolica, a mountainous region in central Veracruz. The Nahuatl word Zongolica translates to "twisted hair," referring to the areas’ varied geographical features including mountain landscapes, waterfalls, and forests. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, coffee production, and Tehuacan–Zongolica Nahuatl dialect. Here, Indigenous Nahua communities maintain a strong cultural identity rooted in their language, wisdom about the natural world, and ancestral traditions.

San Juan Texhuacan

San Juan is a village in the small municipality of Texhuacan, which has a population of around 5,575 people. The climate is well-suited for cultivation for crops such as coffee and corn, resulting in a vibrant green landscape. Texhuacan has become more modernized in the last two decades as many people have looked for work outside of town or have left to study. When they come back, they bring savings to build something for themselves and their families that also helps the community. In spite of changes due to improved economic conditions, people continue to practice their ancestral traditions and are proud of their Nahua culture, such as the Mayodorías. Mayodorías is a system where residents are asked to host a celebration in honor of the community's patron saint as a way to show gratitude for their good fortune and share that wealth with the community. Everyone respects this promise to each other and appreciates the togetherness that these traditions bring. 

Huapango Astacinga

Huapango is a village of about 600 people that is part of a larger municipality called Astacinga (a population of about 6,900 people). Many village residents grow corn, beans, calabaza, chiles, and chayote. However, because of its altitude, Huapango residents are unable to grow coffee. The area also has an abundance of pine trees and fruit trees that produce peaches, pears, mandarins, and apples. Residents of the village enjoy taking care of animals such as sheep, dogs, and hens. Throughout the year, there are dances and celebratory events. In their freetime, many community members enjoy playing soccer.

Rafael Delgado

Rafael Delgado is a town at the entrance to the Zongolica mountains and has a population of about 24, 127 people. Corn, sugarcane, and coffee are the dominant crops grown in the area. Situated in a valley, residents of the town are able to grow food much easier than those located in higher altitudes who experience colder climates. Residents can also irrigate the fertile and productive soil, making rainfall less of a necessity for cultivation. Most community members speak Nahuatl and have dedicated dates where they celebrate the saints and the chapels in the town. One big celebration for community members is the Feast of Our Guadalupe which takes place on the 12th of December.