Description

Places of memory and living traditions of the Otomí-Chichimecas people of Tolimán: the Peña de Bernal, guardian of a sacred territory

© 2007 Government of the state of Queretaro

Living in the semi-desert zone of the state of Querétaro in central Mexico, the Otomí-Chichimeca people have developed a range of traditions that express a unique relationship with their local topography and ecology. Their cultural environment is dominated by a symbolic triangle formed by the Zamorano and Frontón hills and the Bernal rock. It is to these sacred hills that people make annual pilgrimages bearing miraculous crosses to pray for water and divine protection, venerate their ancestors and celebrate their communal identity and continuity. Other community festivities throughout the year make up a calendar of rituals centred on water, a dangerously scarce element in this climate, and dedicated to the endurance of the Otomí-Chichimeca people. The rituals often occur in intimate family chapels dedicated to ancestors or in chimales, temporary but impressive reed structures with leaf roofs built as an offering, an emblem of endurance and a symbol of vitality and belonging. The relationship between spiritual culture and physical space is influential on the art of the region – including religious images, murals, dance and music – and the traditions that embody it are central components of the cultural identity of the community.

Documents

• Nomination form: English|French
• Consent of communities: English in preparation

Decision 4.COM 13.61

The Committee (…) decides that [this element] satisfies the criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as follows:

• R.1: The element is a cultural space encompassing symbolic and spiritual meanings and practices related to nature and rooted in the value system of the community, constituting an important part of the social life of the communities concerned and providing them with a sense of identity and continuity;
• R.2: Inscription on the Representative List would contribute to promoting cultural diversity and inter-cultural dialogue at the national and international levels, enhancing visibility and awareness of intangible cultural heritage;
• R.3: Safeguarding measures, respecting nature in the context of climate change, are proposed based on the diverse forms of community participation, while the commitment of federal and local governments as well as the communities concerned is demonstrated;
• R.4: The nomination was elaborated based on consultation with communities, groups and individuals concerned through a series of consultative meetings and submitted with their free, prior and informed consent;
• R.5: The element is inscribed on the inventories of intangible cultural heritage at the national and local levels.

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