Introduction continued...

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Here, three rivers have cut four massive gorges, or Barranca's, to create a system of 20 interconnecting canyons dwarfing the Grand Canyon of Arizona and in places more than 6000 feet deep. Within this immense landscape the Raramuri live much like their ancestors, in modified caves and simple stone and timber dwellings, growing their crops and herding their goats. Many are still nomadic, living in the high country from April to October and wintering in the warmth and lushness of the Barrancas below.  

 

On numerous expeditions with the insightful guidance and invaluable support of Sierra Tarahumara guide “Santiago”  I traveled the Sierra and high mesas by foot and horseback to explore and photograph this many layered world full of mystery, beauty, magic and light.. I came to love and respect the Raramuri people who embrace their world of few material rewards and cling to a life rich in tradition, family, and sharing. On countless occasions I've been treated with curiosity, kindness, and generosity by those who have very little and owe me nothing….both the Rarámuri and Mestizo who share this otherworldly land.

 

To be in the Sierra Tarahumara is to walk back in time, to witness an ancient  culture still surviving within an overwhelming and unparalleled landscape, in places bountiful and mothering and in other places harsh, formidable, and now more than ever, threatened by forces from beyond their borders.  Exploitation of resources and environment by outsiders is speeding up and drug violence is on the rise. Sadly, traditions and old ways are disappearing. It is my hope that these images will convey some impression of this fragile world and possibly help to preserve in time the magic that exists here.  This magic inhabits every soul, every rock every shadow of this enchanted, majestic land.

 

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Wrap Up

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People have been predicting the demise of the Raramuri for centuries, but through all of this time they have persevered. Now the pressure from outside is stronger than ever. The Raramuri, along with countless other indigenous cultures on our planet are in the direct route of what some call progress, and as a result are disappearing at an alarming rate. The outside world is hungry for the resources such as gold, silver, copper that  exist within their sacred lands, resources these they have chosen not to disturb for hundreds or thousands of years. Now, add to this our NEW lust for the resources needed to power AI and cryptocurrency and the picture gets bleaker. With the loss of these ancient civilizations, this patchwork quilt of human evolution,  goes a treasury of wisdom and messages from the past…Also go the languages that have been whispered through the centuries, the songs, the stories, the traditions and dreams. And with all this, perhaps the loss of the great, ancient secrets of survival.

 

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Project Notes

 

The work for this project was done over approximately a 10 year span of time from 1996 to 2006. Most excursions were on foot,  two  on horseback,  and lasted 2 to 4 weeks. Everything was shot on black-and-white film, mostly 35 mm for the sake of portability. I  never photographed in any situation where I was not given explicit permission by the people of the area I was visiting.. Even when given permission there were times when I just didn't feel right and left my camera tucked away. I carry a Polaroid camera with me and always offer Polaroids to my subjects. Some days I shot Polaroids only, no film, as a means of giving without taking. The response from my subjects when they see their image slowly appear on the Polaroid surface is innocent and magical. Their smiles and giggles and looks of wonderment are always touching to watch as many of them rarely see pictures of themselves. I have also returned to areas with enlarged prints whenever possible. On one trip a Raramuri friend was so interested in the picture making process that I left him with my Polaroid camera in its protective bag, several boxes of film and a little book for the photos. When I returned to the same remote area a year later, he couldn't wait to show me his portfolio. He had taken photos of family and friends and some of his favorite places or landmarks. I left him with more film when we said goodbye. 

 

I have always done my work in the Sierra with the utmost of respect and gratitude, but still have wondered if photographing these proud and private people is/was a good idea. My conclusion is that I honor the Raramuri and their ancestors by recording their culture and homeland at this point in time. The outside world can only benefit from knowing that they still exist, that there is another way to live on this planet… simpler, slower and quieter….in the here and now.   Additionally, the outside world can only encourage measures that promote a safer world for threatened cultures if they are made aware of their existence and challenges..

 

 

None of these images would exist without the helpful guidance, enthusiasm, and friendship of my guide, "Santiago", James Barnaby. Everywhere I traveled in the Sierra Tarahumara I was welcomed because I was his friend. Being with these people, and within this landscape was the passion and love of his life.  Tragically, he died in a fire a few years ago, and everyone who knew him was heavily affected by his passing.  My travels and adventures with Santiago were the highlight of my life.   I will be forever grateful for the privilege of photographing these wonderful people and their mother mountains.

 

 

The images are my tribute.