Mexico's Third Root: The Afromestizos
Photographer: Enos Ignacio Cozier
Exhibit Title: Mexico's Third Root: The Afromestizos
Location: Mexico
The Afromestizo are Mexicans living on the Pacific coast in the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca and the state of Veracruz. They represent what is called the “third root” - people of African, Indigenous and European descent. They have been historically isolated and have worked as ranchers, cowboys, farmers and fisherman in predominantly rural areas where they have developed their distinct customs.
In 2003, while living in Mexico, I began a long –term project documenting the Afromestizo communities on the Pacific coast. While the traditions in these towns are clearly Mexican, they identify and celebrate in distinct ways. I try to capture some of this uniqueness as I photograph rituals and celebrations that take place through the year. My time there also coincided with a renewed interest in their identity as Afro-Mexicans. In 2015 the Mexican government recognized Mexicans of African descent on the census for the first time.
I am a documentary and fine art photographer. My documentary work is focused on cultural expression in local and community settings and emphasizes themes of work processes, ceremony and ritual. I capture the natural as well as the cultural setting of these activities and these are the subjects of my fine art work.
cozierphotography@gmail.com
cozierphotography.com
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