(Zarco Guerrero) The next section behind you and a little further down introduces masks used by the Spanish in colonizing Mexico. The Spanish used this medium to penetrate the language barrier, telling stories of their own greatness and spreading Christianity. Dr. Lydia Otero explains why masks played an important role in the colonialization of Mexico.
(Dr. Lydia Otero) When the Spanish came, they had their beliefs in masks and utility. They found utility in them when the first encounters occurred. They didn't speak the same languages that the people here spoke. And there needed to be a way to communicate. And masks was one of those things that had common knowledge. Now, they utilized them to their advantage.
I know that in Santa Fe—there's a history book called "When Jesus Came The Corn Mothers Went Away" that outlines the dynamics of conquest in a very detailed way—but, the Spanish, when they arrived in Santa Fe knew when it was gonna rain. So, they made it—they intentionally planned their arrival during the rainy season. So, when the rains came, they would say, look, we brought the rains.
So, they knew what was important because they would send scouts to survey and to get to know these cultures. And, they got to know what was important. So, they knew how to manipulate these exchanges to their advantage. Because, of course, language can work. Violence often worked. But, masks, I think, were an important form of communication in terms of the colonization process.
Special Thanks to Gateway for their support of this project.
Many thanks also to the University of Arizona Disability Resources Center for transcribing the tour episodes.
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