Knowledge Share Description
In this knowledge share, Dr. Samuel Bautista Lazo will guide us through the history of his people, the Benzaa (Cloud People), known to the western world as the Zapotecs. He will share indigenous perspectives and stories passed down from his grandparents that trace back to the last ice age. The Benzaa have been stewards of the central valley of Oaxaca for centuries, adapting to the natural and cosmic cycles they have experienced.
For instance, with the extinction of megafauna, the Benzaa developed a profound relationship with corn and the nine sister seeds cultivated within the milpa system. This method aligns with what western science now terms agroecology and agroforestry, reflecting our traditional knowledge. While discussions of climate change dominate the western narrative, we have our own stories that document the climate patterns of our region for over 20,000 years.
Although our ancient knowledge sites and books were destroyed during the invasion of our lands, the surviving records and stories offer a path to reconnect us with the delicate fabric of life on Earth. Dr. Bautista Lazo will weave together these ancient stories, scientific findings, and the art of weaving to illustrate how his community has adapted, learned, and thrived in a changing world.
This knowledge-share aims to convey the indigenous narrative of this land and inspire us to take action toward creating communities that foster a different vision and relationship with nature. Just as we have embraced a food revolution, we must also recognize weaving as a revolutionary act that deepens our connection to the fabric that sustains life on Earth.
Dr. Bautista Lazo will discuss the evolution of weaving techniques in his community, highlighting the use of plants and materials to create functional objects of art and ceremony. You will learn about natural dyes and discover the stories and teachings encoded in the patterns and symbols of Benzaa rugs and textiles—our ancient books.
We will explore:
indigenous history of Anawak
ancient stories and their relevance today
the Benzaa's relationship with corn and the nine sister seeds within the milpa system, including principles of agroecology and agroforestry
the evolution of weaving techniques in the Benzaa community and the use of plants and materials for creating art and functional objects.
Weaving as a ritual
Natural dyes Knowledge encrypted into textiles
the history of the Benzaa (Cloud People) and their connection to the land and climate over 20,000 years.
Cost
$35 - low income
$50 - standard
$75 - pay-it-forward (if you have financial abundance, this is our pay-it-forward option to fund our full tuition scholarships)
For more information on sliding scale please check out this amazing work!
The zoom link will be sent upon registration. Recording will be available for 30 days.
Please apply here for a scholarship.
Accessibility Information
Virtual Gathering
*ASR (automated) captioning provided
The knowledge share zoom link will be sent out immediately upon purchase, along with any other necessary information.
Sunday, November 24, 2024
3:00pm - 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time
Class will be recorded and available for 30 days. This means you can join from anywhere in the world.
Facilitator
Dr. Samuel Bautista Lazo, born in Xiguie'a (Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca) to a family of artisans and farmers, he grew up at the foothills of Quie Guiea Beats mountain; herding goats, weaving and studying until he obtained a Doctorate in Sustainable Manufacturing from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. At an early age he had an interest in reading and learning about his own culture and internalizing the teachings and stories of the elders; in this way, Samuel has developed a deep understanding of the history and silent knowledge of the Bengulaa's (The Wise Hearted People). Samuel runs his family rug and textile workshop under the Dixza brand, writes microblogs, and travels internationally to share the teachings of the Benzaa (Cloud people).