Muralista's: My Favorite Works

I have never heard of the word 'Muralista' till today.  Apparently, painting murals was a movement brought about in the 1930's in Mexico.  Murals were created as both a social and a political tool.  One of the muralistas that I find most fascinating is Jose Clemente Orozco, social realist painter, who created a lot of powerful art during his lifetime.  (Novemeber 1883 - September 1949).

In this painting entitled, "The Trench," from 1926 Orozco is attempting to portray the revolution occurring at the time.  The dead soldiers portray the violence of the time, as well the use of dead rather than fighting soldiers implies realism.
Another one of Orozco's popular works is, "Gods of the Modern World," a painting with a focus on the social time Orozco was positioned in.  It portrays the way technology was shaping his environment, and is a powerful work of art.

Juarez in the News

After having read Murder City by Charles Bowden, I was intrigued about the situation in Juarez today.  The book relates the tragedies and killings that occurred in 2008.  Recently I stumbled on a article on the Washington Times website.  It seems that the rate of murders in Juarez is decreasing which is encouraging to hear as the people in that region have suffered beyond our imagination.  The article attributes the decrease in crime rates to various factors.
1.  There was a shift in power between two prominent drug cartels.  The Sinaloa Cartel became more powerful when the Juarez Cartel head was arrested and brought to the States.
2.  The creation of jobs by the Mexican government.  Many Mexicans had lost their jobs when the US economy went south.  This caused workers to find the only employment they could, hit-men.
3. Juarez has a new chief of police who appears to be cleaning out the corrupt cops.
4. Citizens of Juarez are working together to bring their city back.

If you are interested in reading more on the current state of Juarez, Mexico, follow this link: Life stirs anew in murder capital Juarez.  

Here it is: Analysis of "Casas de Carton"

“Casas de Carton,” or as translated in English, “Houses of Cardboard,” is a song written by Ali Primera.  It is a simple composition that speaks about the situation in Venezuela.  The song, although simple in structure, contains a repressive story.  It is a song that spoke to the people of Venezuela during the mid-late 1900’s.  Ali Primera’s song lasted beyond his lifetime, and became popular again during the time of Hugo Chavez in the early 1990’s.  Thus “Casas de Carton,” composed by Ali Primera is a simple song, written in the Nueva Cancion style, with elements of Gaita tradition that had a powerful impact on Latin American society that continued to be used for political purposes beyond the lifetime of Primera.   

Ali Primera was a well known man in Venezuela.  According to Nichols & Morse (2010), he was known as the, “Singer of the People.”  Meaning he wrote songs that meant something to the people of Venezuela, his songs resonated within them.  Perhaps the reason these songs resonated with people, was because Ali Primera wrote songs that condemned exploitation and repression, and that celebrated resistance.  (Dineen, 2001, p. 134)  More of the lyrics in his song “Casas de Carton,” will be analyzed later. 

However, Ali Primera did not begin his song writing career in Venezuela.  He studied music at Universidad Central de Venezuela.  Upon graduating in 1968 Primera received a scholarship by the Venezuelan communist party to further enhance his musical education in Romania.  It was in Romania that he recorded his first Album.  (Nichols & Morse, 2010, p. 289).  Primera continued to record songs until he died in a fatal car accident in 1985.  Many of his fans believed that the car accident was not accidental, but rather framed.  (Nichols & Morse, 2010, p. 290)  Although Primera did not write his first album in Venezuela, those songs have had a lasting impact on the public.  His album, which contained the song Casas de Carton, was released in 1975.

The songs Primera wrote all contained a certain unique style.  It is said that he wrote in the Nueva Cancion style, or ‘New Song’.  Basically this genre is a combination of traditional folk music with contemporary music that often contained a political or social message.  (Nichols & Morse, 2010, p. 289)  There is significance in Primera using this genre for his compositions.  According to Viglietti (1986), “The movement was most successful in the sphere of lyrics, where it reached poetic heights which were no obstacle to communication, even with audiences elsewhere in Latin America.” (para. 7)  It was a movement that originated in Cuba in the 1950 and 60’s, and gained popularity in the 1970 and 80’s when many Latin American countries were involved in political conflicts.  (Viglietti, 1986, para. 6)  Thus Primera wrote songs in the height of this movement, and as a political social activist it made sense for him to incorporate this style into his song writing. 

Furthermore, Primera’s songs were sung in the Zulia region’s form of music called gaita.  This is a style that incorporates African, indigenous, and Spanish instrumentation and rhythms.  (Carruyo, 2005, p. 98)  Additionally, this style draws on, “historical memory, local lived experience, and regional symbols to create a sense of community and collective opposition to perceived injustice.”  (Carruyo, 2005, p. 98)  This three concept in regards to Gaita’s are important in understanding the meaning behind the lyrics of Casas de Cartons.

So what is Primera trying to say in his song “Casas de Cartons”?  “Casas de Cartons” is a simple, uncomplicated song with a powerful meaning.  The chorus is repeated four times, “How sad the rain sounds in the cardboard rooftops / How sad my people live, in the cardboard houses.” (Primera, 1975) Primera is pointing to the suffering here, and the seemingly hopelessness of this suffering through repetition.    Although Venezuela is known to be a relatively peaceful and stable country since its democratization in 1958, there was some unrest concerning oil production.  (Mahler, 2011, p. 584)  It is said that the conflict that has arisen in Venezuela, is due to, “indirect mechanisms resultant from the decline of oil abundance, deficient resource sector management, and consequent economic distortions.” (Mahler, 2011, pg. 604) Thus oil, itself is instrumental in causing subsequent problems mentioned in the song.  The problems that Primera includes are, “Today is the same as yesterday; it’s a world with not tomorrow,” or in other words, no hope for the future.  (Primera, 1975)  “Bellies bloated with worms,” or lack of basic necessities.  (Primera, 1975)  And, “his owner, since many years ago/Has been tearing up the honest worker,” or exploitation by the government.  (Primera, 1975) These factors combined have created a situation where Primera’s people live in dismal conditions. “How sad my people live, in the cardboard houses.”

The exploitation of the Zulia region is an important consideration. According to Carruyo (2005) the Zulian’s live in a region full of oil and prosperity; however, “they have been robbed of their “fair share” of the profits.” (p. 102).  Thus this region is one which has been exploited.  Primera (1975) also alludes to this in his song, “How happy, the dogs live, in the rich exploiter’s home.”  This is a clear reference to being exploited by the government in regards to wages and prosperity sharing.  While the Zulians have apparently contributed to the success, through labour, they are not permitted to share in it.  It is the effects of this exploitation that Primera tries to convey through his song.

Primera, in keeping with Gaita tradition, also invokes a feeling of community.  By using the word, ‘my’, he brings together a community: “How sad my people live, in the cardboard houses.” (Primera, 1975) The word ‘my’ is a possessive pronoun.  Primera keeps in mind that the contents of the song are not about the individual but about a collective group of people and their experiences, his group of people.  The use of the word ‘my’ also allows him to establish a relationship with the public.  It is this personal connection that gives him the reputation as a “singer of the people.” 

Gaita’s also tend to include discussion of food, utilities and transportation, or the local lived experience.  The purpose of this is to link people to the government.  (Carruyo, 2005, p. 102).  In the case of “Casas de Cartons,” this is also evident in the lines, “Bellies bloated with worms and that’s why / How sad the children live, in the cardboard houses.” (Primera, 1975) The reference to food, or the lack of it, is an example of a shared local experience.  The poverty resulting from the government’s lack of provisions and profit sharing creates a distant relationship between themselves and the people. 

This style and form of music draws on people emotions and speak of political conflict, and as such were used beyond Primera’s lifetime.  It is said that Hugo Chavez, who lead the coup attempt in 1992, used Primera’s work to aid him.  (Carruyo, 2005, p. 109) The spirit of the songs, and their ability to unite groups aided him in providing and anti-elitist theme to his work.  Music has the ability to extend beyond the lifetime of a composer, much like the work of Primera.  This song is maybe more famously know for its part in the movie, “Voces Inocente” a tale about the 1980’s civil war in El Salvador.  It is interesting to note that in this movie, the lady turns to the man singing the song and pleads with him not to, because it will get them killed.  (techos de carton, de la movie de voces inocentes, 2007) Even years later, this song had significant impact on the Latin American people.  It was still a song that spoke to many different groups who were being oppressed at the time.  And more importantly it was a song that instilled fear in the hearts of the government, because in many cases it was banned, or frowned upon. 

In conclusion, the song “Casas de Carton” was a powerful song in Latin America.  The style and genre it incorporated where ones popular for the time.  The Gaita specifically allowed for the telling of a community, and their life experiences.  The Nueva Cancion was popular in developing stories about political unrest, and dissatisfaction.  Ultimately the song has had an impact on countries beyond Venezuela, such as El Salvador.  Ali Primera, as a social activist was able to create a strong relationship with the people of his time through the simple rhetoric and message of his lyrics. 

  

References:

Carruyo, L. (2005) La Gaita Zuliana: Music and the politics of protest in Venezuela.  Latin American Perspectives, 32 (3):98-111.  DOI: 10.1177/0094582X05275528

Dineen, M. (2001) Culture: Customs of Venezuela.  Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

MÄHLER, A. (2011). Oil in Venezuela: Triggering conflicts or ensuring stability? A historical comparative analysis. Politics & Policy, 39: 583–611. DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-1346.2011.00305.x

Nichols, E.G. & Morse, K.J.  (2010) Venezuela.  Westport CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Primera, A.  (1975)  Casas de Carton. 

Pulquitoman. (2007). Techos de carton, de la movie de voces inocentes.  [Video]. Retrievedfrom http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydvXzVMsiI0)

Mambo, Salsa, Mariachi...

Latin America contains a huge variety of music styles. Many of them we are familiar with today such as salsa and tango's. Below is a map where all the different genres are popular.  And included is a sample of the most popular and distinctive music styles from Latin America.

Mariachi Music originates from Mexico.  It is generally created with an ensemble of stringed instruments, and originated during the post-colonialism era.

Mambo Music originated in Cuba, but spread to other parts of the Caribbean.  Essentially it is lively and energetic music, played in conjunction with dance.

Salsa Music is meant to be hot, wild music, as implied by its name.  Although this music style originated in Cuba, it has gained a global reputation.

Kaseko Music originated in Suriname, and is also popular in French Guiana.  It is rhythmically complex music, that incorporates a lot of percussion instruments.

Huayno Music originated in Peru, and is also popular in other Andean countries.  It is a mix between traditional folk music and popular dance music.

Tango Music is native to Argentina, and is also popular in Uruguay.  It is a style of ballroom dance, and is usually played by a sextet.  The Tango is a genre of music that is well known around the world.

Cumbia music is popular on the west coast of Latin America in countries such as Columbia, El Salvador, Chile, Guatemala, etc.  Historically, Cumbia was a courtship dance, and this music accompanied it.

Coming Soon...Song Analysis

The song I have chosen for my song analysis is Casas de carton by Ali Primera a Venezuelan folk singer.  If you are interested in hearing it in Spanish, the video is below.  

How sad, the rain is heard

On the cardboard roofs

How sadly my people live

In the cardboard houses.

The worker comes descending,

Almost dragging his footsteps

For the weight of suffering

Look how much is the suffering

Look how much the suffering weighs

He leaves the pregnant woman above

The city is below,

And he loses himself in its tangle.

Today is the same as yesterday

It's a world without tomorrow.

How sad, the rain is heard

On the cardboard roofs.

How sadly my people live

In the cardboard houses.

Children the color of my land

With the same scars

Millionaires of worms, and

Therefore how sadly the children live

In the cardboard houses.

How sad, the rain is heard

On the cardboard roofs.

How sadly my people live

In the cardboard houses.

You're not going to believe

But there are schools for dogs

And they give them education

So they don't bite the newsboys

But the boss

For years, many years

He is biting the worker.

How sad, the rain is heard

On the cardboard roofs.

How far away, passes a hope

In the cardboard houses.

My long weekend read

I spent the long weekend reading Murder City by Charles Bowden.  I knew that violence existed in Mexico, but it was actually shocking to read the extent of the violence that occurs in Juarez, Mexico.  It's over hard to understand that such brutality still exists today, where hundreds of people or killed each month.  This is not your average, academic ethnography, but a real portrayal of life in Juarez.  I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about the effects of American globalization and drugs in Mexico.

Latin America Food

Having been to various countries in Latin America, I have several favorite local foods.  One of my favorites is cheese empanadas, which I ate a lot when I was in Bolivia.  The empanada is a stuffed pastry that can be found throughout South America.  Some people put a potato and meat mixture in it, others just put a meat and sauce in it, but my favorite was the cheese filling!  Below is a video tutorial on how to make an empanada with a chicken and cheese filling, I can't wait to try it!

One of my other favorite Latin American recipes is jerk chicken, which I was introduced to in Jamaica.  The chicken is delicious, and because I love it so much I included a video on how to make Jamaica Jerk Chicken as well!

Latin America's Political Geography Today

Most countries later achieved independence in the 19th century, forming Latin America's political geography as we know it today.

The culture and traditions of Latin America have transformed with time, however indigenous populations still celebrate their cultural traditions, as seen in the images below.

 

Languages of Latin America

There is a wide range of indigenous languages spoken within Latin America. While the majority of people today speak Spanish, as well as languages such as Portuguese, Dutch, French and English, this was not always so.  

The maps below visually portrays the indigenous languages spoken throughout Latin America. The first map pertains to Meso-America, and the second map, South America.

The map below contains the most popular and widely spoken indigenous languages.

Blue is Quechua, Yellow is Guarani, Orange is Aymara, Red is Nahuatl, Green is Lenguas Mayas, and Black is Mapudungun.

A look at Latin America's geography

Latin America is a land full of many geographical regions.  Each region can be found on the map below, and is color coded.  In addition, Latin America is home to many rivers such as the Amazon, and mountain ranges such as the Andes.  It is located between two major oceans, the Pacific and the Atlantic, and encompasses the Gulf of Mexico.

To further develop our understanding of these regions, I will post a few pictures and point out some of the main features of each region.

Cordillera Ranges, Intermontane Plateaus and Basins:

This region, which stretches from Mexico down to Bolivia, is the most extensive, as well as the most populated region.  It contains Latin America's greatest mountain range, as seen below. Additionally, the fertile valleys and plateaus are a great source of livelihood for many inhabitants. Having been to Bolivia and done a bit of touring in the area, I though I would upload my own photos of this region.  It is an absolutely gorgeous place and I have a lot of great memories.

Gulf Caribbean Coastal Lowlands:

The Gulf Coast which extends from Mexico to Columbia is a popular tourist destination, (one which I have visited myself!) because of its warm climate and tropical landscape, and warm waters.  Below is a picture of my own experience with the Gulf Caribbean Coastal Lowlands.

Pacific Littoral

The Pacific Littoral region extends, as its name suggests, along the Pacific Coast.  The area is narrow, as it is a coastal region.  Additionally it tends to be quite humid in this area.  In places such as Equador, this area is used for growing fruit crops such as bananas.  

                                       

Antilles

The Antilles are a group of islands situated in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.  Many of them are settled by  people of African descent.  This region thrives on tourism, and subsistence agriculture.  

Orinoco Llanos

This small plains region in Columbia and Venezuela, lies between the Andes and Guiana highlands.  It a region that is sparsely populated but contains a lot of natural resources.  

Guiana Highlands:

This area contains some of the world largest waterfalls, and is full of natural resources.  This place looks stunning! I would love to travel here one day.  

Amazonia:

This region contains the Amazon rain-forest, as well as the Amazon river.  Although not many inhabitants settle in this region, there is abundant wildlife.  A major environmental concern is the destruction of the rain-forest.

Brazilian Highlands:
The Brazilian highlands is a region of rapid population growth.  With its subtropical climate ideal for growing crops such as coffee, this region is attracting a lot of people.  Some of Latin America's largest cities also reside in this region which covers most of Brazil and is situated on South America's west coast.  It is a diverse region that contains rain-forest, plateaus and mountainous areas full of mineral deposits.

Peruvian Atacama Desert

This small region located on the Pacific Coast in Peru is one of the dries places in the world due to the winds and currents that prevail in this area.  The El Nino phenomenon occurs often here.  

Middle and South Chile:

This area has an almost dry summers and mild winters with lots of precipitation.  There is lots of foresting activity, farming and mineral deposits in this region.  

Patagonia:

Much of this region lies in Argentina.  The area contains both desert and highlands suitable for farming when irrigated. 

Plata-Parana Basin

This final region is located on the SE coast of South America.  This region has some of the best soil in the world, and therefore is conducive to agriculture.

Post-Conquest Latin America

Latin America, after the Spanish and Portuguese conquests, looked much different than pre-conquest Latin America.  Indigenous populations were wiped out by diseases, and defeated by the superior war tactics of the Europeans.  Native populations were subjugated to the Spanish and Portuguese and regions were divided into Viceroyalty's as seen below. 

When the Spaniards arrived in Latin America, they instuted slavery.  However the spaniards gave their slaves much more freedom than the British colonies in the United States did, allowing them to read and write.

Under the Spanish control, Indigenous art and architecture also changed.  The Spanish believed they were in charge of the souls of the local inhabitants, and began to build churches and send missionaries among them.  The cathedral in Mexico City, is only one example of the Spanish influence on the arts in Latin America.

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/mexico/mexico-city/catedral-metropolitana

Pre-Conquest Latin America Indigenous Cultures

Latin America, prior to the conquests, was comprised of various indigenous cultures.  The map below outlines where various of these cultures were situated.  

Arawak:

The Arawak were situated throughout South America.  They actually originated in the area that was later occupied by the Caribs, who defeated them (the Lower Antilles).  They are thought to have been the first indigenous population to meet Columbus as seen below.

Aztecs:

The Aztecs, situated in current day Mexico, were believed to have sacrificed humans on pyramids such as the one depicted below.  The Aztec calendar is one of the most famous indigenous sculptures and portrays the Aztec universe.  

http://www.crystalinks.com/azteculture.html

http://www.crystalinks.com/aztecalendar.html

Caribs:

As their name suggests, the Caribs were an indigenous population that resided along the northern coast of South America, and the lower Antilles.  Because of their proximity to the ocean, they were skilled sailors and boat-makers.  

A Carib Family

A Carib Building a Boat

Mayans:

The Mayans, are also known for the religious architecture and artifacts.  Below can be found a Mayan ruin, as well as a sample of pre-Columbian ceramics.  

http://www.worldmuseumofman.org/display.php?item=1008

Mixtec/Zapotec

These two groups were the largest indigenous groups in Southern Mexico.  

Below is a video clip which speaks more about this culture and Zapotec lifestyle.

Muisca:

The Muisca were an indigenous group largely situated in Columbia.  Several of their economic activities including mining, farming and weaving.  The Muisca are also very well known for their gold work. Below is an image of this famed gold work.  

Below is a image of Muisca temple ruin, it is believed that the Muisca's did offer child sacrifices to their gods.

Incas:

The Inca's were arguably the most civilized indigenous population.  Machu Picchu, a popular tourist destination, is home to thousands of Inca artifacts, including the ones below.

http://www.artsjournal.com/realcleararts/2010/03/machu_picchu.html

http://morrisonworldnews.com/?p=40787

Totanac:

The Totanac resided in eastern Mexico upon the arrival of the Spanish.  They are well known for the vanilla which they produced (and still produce!) Their economy was based mainly on agriculture, but they also were excellent weavers.  In the image below, several Totanacs perform the Voladores, a ritual which is believed to be performed to ask the gods to bring rain, or end a drought.  

A Totanac Weaving Sample

Tupi:

The Tupi were a cannibalistic tribe that lived along Brazil's Atlantic coast.  The scarce amount of literature found on the Tupi Indians would indicate that not much is known about them.  They were largely wiped out due to European slavery and diseases. The painting below was done by Alberta Eckhout, a Dutchman who was encouraged to record and paint this strange new land (Brazil).