Music for Chiapas
Music for Chiapas
By Darlene
My experience in Chiapas was incredible. Yes, i had mysterious bug bites (said to be pulgas) and a touch of stomach gas a few times, but i would do it all over again in a moments' notice just to be in the midst of such beautiful people once again.
The indigenous people of Chiapas are gentle kind folk who were so appreciative of the visit from our Earthwork Collective and the work of Higher Grounds Trading Co. and Schools for Chiapas who brought us there. Looking into the eyes of the Zapatista children reminds me of when i was still young enough to understand that life is full of strange and incredible wonders. This is the age where we do not judge but investigate and i was reminded of that with every interaction we had.
The indigenous cultures continue much of their work through oral tradition. For this reason, music is a huge part of life for them. Much like the original folk music of our western world, the songs tell of the news of the time; events which have taken place and the sentiment of the people. Even though much of their recent history has been heartbreaking, the music still uplifts. There's something incredible about Mexican music in that it's subject can be about death and disaster, but they still want to dance to them.
We worked with two schools; one in the area of Ocosingo (just southish of San Cristobal) and the other near the ruins of Palenque (in the jungle). It's very interesting to me the differences in learning between the indigineous and caucasian. Western folk are so used to new things coming at them constantly while the native folk love repetition. For an oral tradition, it's important to hear the same song many times to get it into your head. There are no cd or tape players to listen to. You have to catch the songs live. This was great for me, as i wanted to learn Zapatista songs from them and they wanted to learn Una Blanca Palomita from me (a tradtional Mexican tune). I can't count how many times i played it while there in 3 days. They also helped me to write it out for them - a wonderful process for someone like me who is just learning the language. Our singing and guitar workshop started at 4pm and should have ended by 6 or so, but when we tried to finish up no one left. We had 5 guitars with us and everyone wanted to keep playing. So we did, until about 8:30pm. We worked on rhythms and timing for the Zapatista songs and Una Blanca Palomita. The next morning, Erin (Schools for Chiapas) suggested we divide the children into 6 groups - each working on a different Zapatista song to present to the whole group, with one guitar player per group. There were 4 or 5 boys who knew how to play basic chords, as since most of their songs only have 2 o 3 chords, they could play along. Now the work was to get them all in the right keys and rhythms. Having these instruments that we could leave with them was a huge enhancement to the work that they are trying to do. For a community like the Zapatistas, giving these tools of communication are so important. They were thrilled to learn that we were leaving 3 guitars behind. I think that metronomes may also be a great addition!
It's not often that we get to see the fruits of our labor, but i was blessed at the 1st International Women's Festival at Oventic (Heart Center of the Zapatistas). Indigineous women came from all over (and their families) to celebrate the movement and their place within it. They were empowered and proud, and each area was represented by speeches, poems and songs. I wondered if any of the children from the Caracoles we visited would be there. Sure enough, a group of gals from Roberto Barrios (Palenque) came. They were so excited to see me. They were waiting for their turn to sing Una Blanca Palomita but they didn't have a guitar player. So i got a hold of one and joined them in the performance. Their voices were strong and they had learned the song well. The next day they joined me in performing the Swirling River Song (by Brooke Medicine Eagle) - a 1st Nations song giving thanks to and honoring the Water.
To see the young and older women of rural villages have such a voice to share with their fellow sisters in solidarity brought tears to my eyes many times. Here are communities of real people, still living sustainably and happily. It's a wonder to me how anyone would wish them harm.
I'm counting the days when i can return, hopefully with more tools to offer that can be of help. I have been moved.
darlene, earthwork music
By Darlene
My experience in Chiapas was incredible. Yes, i had mysterious bug bites (said to be pulgas) and a touch of stomach gas a few times, but i would do it all over again in a moments' notice just to be in the midst of such beautiful people once again.
The indigenous people of Chiapas are gentle kind folk who were so appreciative of the visit from our Earthwork Collective and the work of Higher Grounds Trading Co. and Schools for Chiapas who brought us there. Looking into the eyes of the Zapatista children reminds me of when i was still young enough to understand that life is full of strange and incredible wonders. This is the age where we do not judge but investigate and i was reminded of that with every interaction we had.
The indigenous cultures continue much of their work through oral tradition. For this reason, music is a huge part of life for them. Much like the original folk music of our western world, the songs tell of the news of the time; events which have taken place and the sentiment of the people. Even though much of their recent history has been heartbreaking, the music still uplifts. There's something incredible about Mexican music in that it's subject can be about death and disaster, but they still want to dance to them.
We worked with two schools; one in the area of Ocosingo (just southish of San Cristobal) and the other near the ruins of Palenque (in the jungle). It's very interesting to me the differences in learning between the indigineous and caucasian. Western folk are so used to new things coming at them constantly while the native folk love repetition. For an oral tradition, it's important to hear the same song many times to get it into your head. There are no cd or tape players to listen to. You have to catch the songs live. This was great for me, as i wanted to learn Zapatista songs from them and they wanted to learn Una Blanca Palomita from me (a tradtional Mexican tune). I can't count how many times i played it while there in 3 days. They also helped me to write it out for them - a wonderful process for someone like me who is just learning the language. Our singing and guitar workshop started at 4pm and should have ended by 6 or so, but when we tried to finish up no one left. We had 5 guitars with us and everyone wanted to keep playing. So we did, until about 8:30pm. We worked on rhythms and timing for the Zapatista songs and Una Blanca Palomita. The next morning, Erin (Schools for Chiapas) suggested we divide the children into 6 groups - each working on a different Zapatista song to present to the whole group, with one guitar player per group. There were 4 or 5 boys who knew how to play basic chords, as since most of their songs only have 2 o 3 chords, they could play along. Now the work was to get them all in the right keys and rhythms. Having these instruments that we could leave with them was a huge enhancement to the work that they are trying to do. For a community like the Zapatistas, giving these tools of communication are so important. They were thrilled to learn that we were leaving 3 guitars behind. I think that metronomes may also be a great addition!
It's not often that we get to see the fruits of our labor, but i was blessed at the 1st International Women's Festival at Oventic (Heart Center of the Zapatistas). Indigineous women came from all over (and their families) to celebrate the movement and their place within it. They were empowered and proud, and each area was represented by speeches, poems and songs. I wondered if any of the children from the Caracoles we visited would be there. Sure enough, a group of gals from Roberto Barrios (Palenque) came. They were so excited to see me. They were waiting for their turn to sing Una Blanca Palomita but they didn't have a guitar player. So i got a hold of one and joined them in the performance. Their voices were strong and they had learned the song well. The next day they joined me in performing the Swirling River Song (by Brooke Medicine Eagle) - a 1st Nations song giving thanks to and honoring the Water.
To see the young and older women of rural villages have such a voice to share with their fellow sisters in solidarity brought tears to my eyes many times. Here are communities of real people, still living sustainably and happily. It's a wonder to me how anyone would wish them harm.
I'm counting the days when i can return, hopefully with more tools to offer that can be of help. I have been moved.
darlene, earthwork music
Many images on this site are courtesy of photojournalist Gary L. Howe.