Tzitziqui(litl)
The investigation into this quelite came about as a result of one of my favourite anise scented herbs, Pericón (Tagetes lucida) (1) which also just happens to be in one of my favourite genera (and Families too now that I think on it – family Asteraceae in case you wondered). Sorry, got side-tracked, it happens on occasion. Now, pericón is also colloquially known as “cloud” … Continue reading Tzitziqui(litl)
Sara Celis (and by default Luis Amendolla)
In my journey to discover more about the artist Luis Gasparo Amendolla it dawned on me that perhaps I should search not only for his name but also that of his wife Sara Martha Celis Massieu. So far my research has been limited to that of internet searches (which have been most helpful – if leaving a lot of information somewhat unconfirmed). There are several … Continue reading Sara Celis (and by default Luis Amendolla)
Papalo as Medicine : Study Continues.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) arising from the misuse and overuse of antibiotics is a significant global health concern (Saed etal 2024). Studies have found that approximately 40 % of all registered resistant infections were caused by bacteria resistant to last-line antibiotics, which makes them nearly impossible to treat (Murray etal 2022) (Hofer 2019). It is expected that if the antimicrobial resistance issue remains unsolved, the associated … Continue reading Papalo as Medicine : Study Continues.
Mi Mascaras : The Bakunawa
I have just gained some insight into a mask in my collection that, when I initially purchased it, was told it was African in design. It has however been pointed out by a Filipino friend that it is not African but that it is from the Philippines and represents a mythical serpent spirit known as Bakunawa (1). The Philippines (officially the Republic of the Philippines) … Continue reading Mi Mascaras : The Bakunawa
Flor de Jamaica : Tacos dorados con Crema de Aguacate
This dish resulted from a challenge given me by my friend Juan. I am known amongst my Mexican friends as Jamaica Man because I bring agua de jamaica to all of the FOMEX (1) events held in our city. At our last event (Mexican Independence Day celebration) which we held the day the Tallship Cuauhtemoc departed the Port of Fremantle (2), Juan regaled me of … Continue reading Flor de Jamaica : Tacos dorados con Crema de Aguacate
FOMEX and Dia de Muertos 2024
This last Saturday 26th October 2024 the Friends of Mexico held a celebration of Dia de Muertos for the people of Perth in Western Australia. The event was sponsored by the West Australian Museum as part of their cultural exchange program Boola Bardip (Many Stories) Dia de Muertos is a time of celebration and remembrance amongst the peoples of Latin America and is celebrated in … Continue reading FOMEX and Dia de Muertos 2024
Mascaras Mexicanas : Mi Colección
the order in which I obtained them This was the first mask to enter my collection. To be honest I didn’t know it was Mexican when I purchased it, I just really liked the style and colour. I’m still not entirely sure it is Mexican although there are hints that lead me to believe it is (more on this in a little). All of the … Continue reading Mascaras Mexicanas : Mi Colección
Cempasúchil and Popocatepetl
It is that time of year again. The days are waning, the nights are cooling (well they would be if I was Northern hemispherical) and my feeds are filling up with the autumnal imagery of this season of spirits. The boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead fluctuate and bleed into each other and we welcome the memories of those who have … Continue reading Cempasúchil and Popocatepetl
Mascara de Xochipilli?
Purchased online (through eBay) as a gift for my birthday in 2024 The seller advertised the piece as being An extremely beautiful work of ancient mesoamerican religious art, carved in a very nice deep green “Chalchihuitl” (1) Jade Stone and notes that this item……DEPICTS A VERY CLASSIC TEOTIHUACAN CULTURE JADE FACE WITH ITS RITUAL NOSEPLUG. It was 100% handcarved from a deep green Jade Stone … Continue reading Mascara de Xochipilli?
The Tallship Cuauhtémoc
First. Some definitions (Max if you are reading this I apologise in advance). I am not a seagoing man (and, much to the chagrin of many a family member, nor am I even an avid fisherman – I am a cook though so bring me your fish, cackers and abalone and I’ll do something with those). Personally I think that with all the krakens and … Continue reading The Tallship Cuauhtémoc
Masa Americana 