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