Carrying the Word
Carrying the Word
The Concheros Dance in Mexico City
The Concheros blend Catholic and indigenous traditions in their performances, but are not governed by a predetermined set of beliefs; rather they are bound together by long standing interpersonal connections framed by the discipline of their tradition. The Concheros manifest their spirituality by means of the dance. Rostas traces how they construct their identity and beliefs, both individual and communal, by its means. The book offers new insights into the experience of dancing as a Conchero while also exploring their history, organization and practices.
Carrying the Word provides a new way for audiences to understand the Conchero's dance tradition, and will be of interest to students and scholars of contemporary Mesoamerica. Those studying identity, religion, and tradition will find this social-anthropological work particularly enlightening.
Rostas makes a significant contribution to the growing literature on urban performance genres in Latin America. . . Summing Up: Highly recommended.'
-K.S. Fine-Dare, CHOICE
Her ethnographic descriptions are the strength of this study... this work makes an important contribution to the field.'
-Sandra Garner, American Anthropologist
An engaging, thoughtful and forthright ethnography of a particular dance form, style and history.'
-Jonathan Skinner, Bulletin of Latin American Research
