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Topic

Where The Hearth Burns, Recipes of The Soul. Time and Place Through Foodways Among Lacandon Maya from Mensäbäk

Department of Anthropology

Date & location

• Thursday, December 12, 2024

• 10:30 A.M.

• Clearihue Building, Room B017

• and Virtual

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Andrea Walsh, Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria (Supervisor)

• Dr. Melissa Gauthier, Department of Anthropology, UVic (Member) 

External Examiner

• Dr. Julia Murphy, Department of Anthropology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University 

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Jennifer Thom, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UVic 

Abstract

In my research I analyze the forms in which foodways, in specific the hearth is a place of encounter, formation of identity, and transfer of knowledge among Lacandon Maya from Mensäbäk, Chiapas, Mexico. The primary intention is to explore the different forms in which people interact around the hearth to communicate individual experiences and memories happening through foodways. The hearth is the central place where oral stories are shared, and recipes are transferred through hands-on practice. Knowledge about food, recipes, and customs have been passed down through generations, situating individuals through a sense of place and self. Through graphic anthropology as a form of inquiry and knowledge transfer, arts-based research in the form of comics and the graphic novel represent a unique modality with potential for anthropological knowledge production. My research utilizes arts-based, multi-modal approaches to inquiry to explore connections to feelings and relationships in the collective consciousness of Lacandon Maya foodways. Qualitative research included conversations with research participants and participant observation. I created vignettes as a creative process in collaboration with participants presenting the stories and experiences shared around the hearth. The graphic stories express memories, knowledge, and experiences resulting from the profound relationship that people have with the hearth and around foodways. Modern issues are also shared as social and cultural change, manifesting the dynamic interactions of current social realities in Mexico.