Ilse Biel

Publication Date

5-1-2012

Abstract

In this study, I explore two central examples of Zapatista material culture, the Zapatista mask and the souvenir muñecas zapatistas [Zapatista dolls], as they become plot lines in the co-constructed encuentro that shapes the Zapatista concept internationally leading to a false image of Zapatista homogeneity. Taking on their own dynamic substance that frequently is dislodged from the context of the people they appear to represent they become indicative of the discourse about the Zapatistas, one that does not necessarily originate in the activities of the Zapatistas. I suggest that, within the broader encuentro process between Zapatistas and non-Zapatistas, the Zapatistas function in at least three modalities: the physical, the representation, and the idea. The mask and the doll case histories I present here show how these three modalities relate to each other and interact with outsider interpreters.

Keywords

Zapatistas, material culture, masks, Zapatista dolls, media representation

Project Sponsors

Latin American and Iberian Institute, UNM and the Tinker Foundation

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Ethnology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Anthropology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Les Field

Second Committee Member

Ronda Brulotte

Third Committee Member

David Dinwoodie

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