TARAHUMARA INDIANS

                                         Tarahumara Culture

        After our week in the Sea of Cortez and our ride on the Copper Canyon Railroad we hung out  for a couple of days in the Posada Barrancos, the area where one can best see the canyon,  .

       The Spanish originally encountered the Tarahumara Indians throughout Chihuahua upon arrival in the 1500's. The Tarahumara are shy and private, so as the Spanish moved in the Indians retreated for the nearly inaccessible canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara—which we call the Copper Canyon. As miners encroached onto their way of life they moved even deeper into the remote canyons. It is estimated that today there are over 70,000 Tarahumaras, making them Mexico's second largest native Indian group

       Living in caves, under cliffs and in small wood and stone cabins in remote areas, they live a simple life without modern technology. They call themselves Raramuri, which refers specifically to men. Women are referred to as mukí. Tarahumara was what the first Spanish called these

Narrow mountain path

Native American people. Rarámuri means "foot-runner. This is their means of transportation over network of narrow footpaths through the canyons. Running is what the Tarahumara are best known  for around the world. They can run down deer and wild turkeys. They also run birds till they tire, not letting them perch and rest.

       One morning we watched a display of their games and walked down a path into the canyon to see where one family lived. They live apart from each other, not in a compound or village like many native peoples. Religious, with a desire for privacy, they are known as a quiet and considerate people who are expert farmers. However, they do gather frequently for ceremonies, celebrations and races.  They make a fermented drink called Tesgüino from sprouted corn. It is quite a process and is made year round.     

      Corn and beans are staple diet products. Potatoes and apples also can be found. Some Tarahumara raise domesticated animals such as goats and cattle. Fish, small game and herbs, a Tarahumara specialty, round out their diet.

      Traditional clothing consists of a white cloth shirt, sometimes with colorful prints, white cloth pants or wraparounds with colorful belts or accessories. Cloth headbands are usually red. Sandals or huaraches are the footwear of choice, and are often made from old tires.

     Musical instruments consist of a three hole flute, rattles and violin. Their dances are simple.

     The women weave gorgeous water-tight baskets in all sizes. At the Barrancos we watched Tarahumara women weaving as they sat on a stone wall visiting with each other. The baskets were an absolute must buy item---getting them home on the plane was a bit of a challenge. I have fond memories of a great trip every time I look at the ones I bought.