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Researchers explore indigenous migration by following the history of corn and the indigenous history of those who cultivate and honor it.

By Rebecca Ruiz-McGill
April 2, 2008

Maps tell a story, they create national identity, they capture a point in time and they guide people. For researchers at The University of Arizona, maps of North and Central America from the 1500s to the 1800s helped them to study historical migration patterns, changing national border boundaries and impacts on cultural identity.

But the maps only told part of the story. Roberto Rodriguez, UA Mexican American studies research associate, and Patrisia Gonzales, assistant professor of Mexican American studies, were told to follow the corn when they asked elders from North and Central American indigenous tribes about their origin.

Ancient indigenous codices not only helped the researchers connect maize-based societies, artifacts and rituals from central Mexico 1,000 years ago, but also point to older migrations by indigenous peoples who originated from Central America.

Their work and that of UA graduate students and other researchers culminates in a symposium and exhibit called "Centeotzintli: Sacred Maiz: A 7,000-year Ceremonial Discourse,” presented by the UA Mexican American Studies & Research Center.

From April 2 to May 9, the researchers will exhibit historical maps and showcase an exhibit at that addresses the bonds that maize-based societies have honored for centuries and newer de-indigenized societies have embraced.

“Our story begins with maize. It is an indigenous story with a 7,000 year old history that belongs to the original inhabitants of Central and North America," Rodriguez said. "Maize brought people together through trade and it created cities and now is a basic form of sustenance for humanity. The researchers examine the memory, medicine, sustenance and relationships that maize-based societies have had upon the world and their migration through it,” said Rodriguez.

Exhibit opening events began April 2 with a reception for Angelbertha Cobb, a Nahautal elder and teacher and continues with the following events:

Thursday, April 3

2:30 p.m., Main Library: Opening blessing and ceremonial danza by Angelbertha Cobb Indigenous elder, teacher and activitst.

3 to 3:45 p.m., Main Library: Exhibit tour with collaborators Patrisia Gonzales, Marisol Badilla, Libia Luevano, Norma Ballesteros and Jesse Johnson.

4 p.m., César Chávez Building Room 205: Map tour at the Chicano/Hispano Center with collaborators Jessica Campos and Roberto Rodriguez

4:30 to 5:30 p.m. César Chávez Building Room 205: Reception with guest speaker Antonio Estrada, director of Mexican American studies

5:30 to 7:30 p.m., César Chávez Building Room 205: Symposium featuring Roberto Rodriguez, Yolanda Broyles, Zotero Amavizca and Angelbertha Cobb

Saturday, April 5 (all events in César Chávez Building Room 205)

6:30 p.m.: Map tour with Shiras Manning

7 p.m.: Opening speakers Patrisia Gonzales and Dominique Calza.

7:30 p.m.: Documentary film Amoxtli San Ce Tojuan (We Are One)

8:30 p.m.: Commentary by Angelbertha Cobb and Nahuatl educator, Paula Domingo.

Friday, April 25

In Lak Ech (You Are My Other Self) performance poetry group and Mujeres de Maiz (Women of the Corn). Time and location to be announced.

The symposium and exhibit are sponsored by the UA's College of Humanities, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Chicano/Hispano Student Affairs, Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Latin American Studies, Native American Student Affairs, American Indian Studies and Indigenous Thinkers.

Also presenting and participating will be graduate students and co-researchers Zotero Amavizca, Marisol Badilla, Norma Ballesteros, Dina Barajas, Jill Calderon, Dominique Calza, Maria Gonzalez, Jesse Johnson, Libia Luevano, Shiras Manning and Jessica Campos.