Curanderismo: Healing & Ritual
Opening: Saturday, May 4, 2013 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
A new exhibition at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology will explore the historical and contemporary practice of Mexican folk healing. Curanderismo: Healing and Ritual is the first exhibition in the United States to focus on the traditional healing practice begun in rural Mexico and spread to the Southwest United States and beyond. While the healing techniques have been common among Mexican American population, Curanderismo is currently gaining popularity as people interested in natural alternatives to allopathic medicine seek traditional healers.
Curanderismo is rooted in cultural knowledge from across the globe, since the time of contact of the Old World with the New. It includes Moorish and Arabic elements; Judeo Christian concepts, and herbal traditions of the Maya and Aztec. Treatments and therapies were popularized by turn of the century Curanderos Nino Fidencio, Teresita, and Don Pedrito Jaramillo who have since become folk saints.
A multi-layered practice born of many cultural influences, Curanderismo has, in turn influenced contemporary localized practices of culture, politics and religion. This can be seen in the way that folk saints or political figures might be associated with Curanderismo and the way that contemporary Pop culture engages with the imagery and ideas of Curanderismo.
The exhibition includes a vivid array of contemporary and historical objects and images.