essay

Cohesive features of guelagetza system in Mitla

social, political, and economic life in contemporary oaxaca • Nashville, Tenn. • Published In 1979 • Pages: 91-101

By: Williams, Aubrey W..

Abstract

In this paper the author discusses the system of exchange of economic goods and services--the guelagetza--as it exists in the town of Mitla, Oaxaca. One noticeable effect of this system, operating as it does primarily in major celebrations or ceremonies in which a large amount of wealth is required, is to reaffirm the social position and economic status of its sponsors in terms of the community-at-large. Williams notes, however, that there is a strong tendency for the guelagetza system to be closed to non-Mitlenos, while movement within is open to its membership providing that they are born and bred in Mitla. Thus the guelagetza system '...functions to maintain some semblance of ethnic and cultural purity for its members, as well as to provide economic necessities in times of social need' (p. 100).

HRAF PubDate

2009

Region

Middle America and the Caribbean

Sub Region

Central Mexico

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle ; Eleanor C. Swanson ; 1980

Field Date

no date

Coverage Date

not specified

Coverage Place

Town of Mitla, Valley Zapotec, Oaxaca, Mexico

Notes

Aubrey Williams

Includes bibliographical references (p. 101)

LCCN

80108823

LCSH

Zapotec Indians