Inhabiting the Sierra Madre Occidental of southwestern Chihuahua in Mexico, the Tarahumara (or Rarámuri) are known in their language as the "foot runners" due to the way in which they must navigate their rugged terrain. This book offers an accessible ethnography of their history, customs, and current life, accompanied by photographs that offer striking images of these gentle people. The subtitle of the book derives from the Tarahumar's belief that the soul works at night while the body sleeps and that during this "day of the moon" both the spirits of the dead and the souls of the living move about in their mysterious ways. As the authors observe, the fact that "so many men, women, and children persist in distinctive, centuries-old cultural traditions in spite of their nearness to all the complexities and attractions of modern industrial society is an importatn part of the story." Their book tells that story and brings readers closer to understanding the Tarahumara world and way of life.
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"A beautifully illustrated and felicitously written account of present-day Indian life and landscape." —Hispanic American Historical Review
About the Author
Bernard L. Fontana is the author of many articles and books, including Entrada: The Legacy of Spain and Mexico in the United States.
John P. Schaefer, a former president of the University of Arizona, now heads the Research Corporation in Tucson.
John P. Schaefer, a former president of the University of Arizona, now heads the Research Corporation in Tucson.
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40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hauntingly beautiful,
By
This review is from: Tarahumara: Where Night is the Day of the Moon (Paperback)
In the northwestern portion of Mexico, in the mountains known as the Sierra Madre Occidental live the legendary Tarahumara. This is an indigeneous group who have been one of the most successful to resist the onslought of western civilization, beginning with the Spaniards conquest and continuing to this day. Seeing the pictures in this book is like taking a step back in time; they are a culture spared the shadow of time. The Tarahumara are known for maintaining their customs and traditions in spite of of an ever encroaching civilization and tourist trade. The Tarahumara are phenomenal runners who traverse , climb and descend the mountains that reach 9,000 ft. beginning as children and contuinuing into old age. Known for their long distance running they are incredible endurance machines that come from a genetic pool that used to carry letters 600 miles! A contemporary good runner can run forty miles with a steady pace over six to eight hours. This book is a fabulous tribute to the majesty of a proud people, complete with over forty color plates and nearly as many powerful black and white photographs. The book is not only a picture book but has a marvelous text that explains and details how this group has endured the harsh natural conditions as well as the invasion of "outsiders" who tried to indoctrinate them with religion and cultural mores. The simplicity of their home construction in the ranchos and the traditions that continue are an anthropoligsts dream. Some of the cultural traditions are fascinating and a wonderful testament to mankind. This is a good book to read prior to a visit to Mexico and journey along the Copper Canyon. The book aIso includes a bibliography and a glossary for further clarification and further knowledge. I would recommend finding the hard cover edition that is out of print if possible because the photographs are amazing and timeless reflections of a distant and persistant people. The color and black and whote plates are as magnificent aas the people they depict. The oversized edition is a cultural treasure. Regardless of the edition I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the people known as the Tarahumara who believe that a mans soul dreams and is manifested and works in mysterious ways at night while his body sleeps.
27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful photos of a unique, endangered people,
By jodym@usaserve.net (Houston, TX, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Tarahumara: Where Night is the Day of the Moon (Paperback)
Written with respect for the dignity and unique culture of the Tarahumara Indians, an indigenous people that live in the Sierra Madre Occidentals (Copper Canyon region). Lots of photographs (both black and white, and color). Although a paperback, it's quite large (pages are about 9"x11"). A "must-have" if you are going to visit, or have visited, Copper Canyon, Mexico.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you want insight regarding your travel destinations,
This review is from: Tarahumara: Where Night is the Day of the Moon (Paperback)
If you like to have some insights regarding your travel destinations, then this is a must read prior to visiting the Copper Canyon. The Tarahumara are a very interesting indigenous group, but they will be very shy around you, so the only way you'll know (and hopefully understand) their values is by reading this excellent book.
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