A Short Discourse on the Aztec Soul.
in another Post (1) several references note that the “seat of the soul” for the Aztecs was the intestines and as such gastrointestinal illnesses and conditions, specifically trip ida, are synonymous with another condition called susto (2). My research does not indicate this though. For the Mexica, the human body mirrored the cosmos, both being composed of heavy and light substances. The light substance within … Continue reading A Short Discourse on the Aztec Soul.
Empacho and Tripa Ida
The practice of curanderismo is the living cultural tradition of holistic healing practices of the peoples of “Latin” America. Although variations of this tradition exist within most of the Americas my focus is on the traditions of Mexico and the south-western United States of America. Curanderismo is a holistic healing system that treats the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—using a blend of herbs, rituals, and … Continue reading Empacho and Tripa Ida
Atlaquetzalli. The Drink of Kings*
*well “Tlatoanis” actually if you want to be pedantic about it (and I do) I briefly look at the masa based drink called atole in my Post Mexican Cooking Equipment : The Molinillo and go into it in a bit more detail in, A Naturopathic View of the Aztec Diet : Part 2 : Appendix 1 : Atole, and then expand upon it again in another related … Continue reading Atlaquetzalli. The Drink of Kings*
Pozole : Part 2 (Well, Part 1 really)
In a previous Post (Rábano. The Radish.) I mentioned briefly the dish known as pozole (go check the Post out for a bit of a breakdown on the origin and meaning of the word pozole, it’s interesting – well I reckon it is anyway – and it links with a little more etymology in this Post) Anyway. Back to the Pozole. At its most basic … Continue reading Pozole : Part 2 (Well, Part 1 really)
Porophyllum zimpanum
Let me introduce you to an uncommon Porophyllum, Porophyllum zimapanum (B. L. Turner). This porophyllum, named after its collector Billie Lee Turner (1) and the image below represents the only sample of this particular species. The plant was found growing in the cliffs of the Barranca de Toliman in the State of Hidalgo. Turner found this plant 10.5 miles West of Hotel Fundicion in Zimapan … Continue reading Porophyllum zimpanum
Porophyllum japonicum
Papalo has a primo chino or Chinese cousin who unfortunately has been poorly done by when it comes to its name. The Japanese named “Sanshichi-so” (Porophyllum japonicum) (1) belongs to the Asteraceae family as do the others originating in the Americas but it is a perennial herb that is native of the southern part of China. It was introduced into Japan as a herbal medicine … Continue reading Porophyllum japonicum
Máscaras Peruanas : Peruvian Masks
Joyous Yuletide. Well it’s not Christmas but today certainly feels like it. I was scanning Facebook Market place (as I do) to find anything remotely Mesoamerican and mask related when I stumbled across the painting below. I was also quite surprised that it was listed as being FREE. This I could not believe so I contacted the seller and after a little back and forth … Continue reading Máscaras Peruanas : Peruvian Masks
Xochipilli : Different Iconographies
Xochipilli is one of the more benign figures (sacrificially speaking) in the pantheon of mesoamerican forces. Xochipilli has been linked to (and worshipped as) in various guises as the young god of the dawn (1) (and also the setting sun) (2), a god of vegetation (most notably of flowers but also intoxicating plants and the sprouting seed) a god of games, song, dance, poetry and … Continue reading Xochipilli : Different Iconographies
Máscaras de Sri Lanka
Although my primary focus is on masks from the Americas – particularly Mexico, where borders are as fluid as the plants that cross them – my collection spans a variety of cultures. While I’ve acquired a number of exceptional Mexican masks, I also collect traditional masks from Oceania and Asia. Living in Australia, I am fortunate to be immersed in a region rich with diverse … Continue reading Máscaras de Sri Lanka
Rábano. The Radish.
So. What is Mike complaining about? The radish (rábano en español) The radish (Raphanus sativus) is a flowering plant in the mustard family, Brassicaceae, which also includes Brassica rapa – the turnip, Brassica oleracea – the cabbage and its relatives (1); and Armoracia rusticana – horseradish. Other herbs in this family include arugula (rocket), mustard, and watercress (horseradish should be here I guess. I consider … Continue reading Rábano. The Radish.
Masa Americana 