Dixza: 'Words from the Clouds'—Weaving a Way of Life
Sunday, November 24, 2024
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
With Dr. Samuel Bautista Lazo
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.
Sunday, November 24, 2024
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
With Dr. Samuel Bautista Lazo
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.
Sunday, November 24, 2024
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST
With Dr. Samuel Bautista Lazo
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.