Introduction to Eduardo Matos Moctezuma
Eduardo Matos Moctezuma, a renowned archaeologist, anthropologist, and founder of the Templo Mayor Project since 1978, is preparing his latest publication focusing on the theme of death. A recipient of the National Prize for Arts and Sciences in Mexico (2007) and the Princess of Asturias Award for Social Sciences (2022), Matos Moctezuma has authored over forty books and is considered one of the most brilliant minds in Hispanoamerica.
Matos Moctezuma’s Upcoming Work
During a recent conversation with El Economista, Matos Moctezuma explained that his upcoming work will explore death in Mexico across different historical periods, including pre-Hispanic, colonial, early independence, and modern times. The book will be richly illustrated with architectural, literary, pictorial references, and even dance, emphasizing the contrast between pre-Hispanic death concepts and Christian beliefs imposed during colonization.
Key References in the Work
Matos Moctezuma plans to utilize various documents, including the Escorial Codex (also known as the Dance of Death Codex), a 11th-century manuscript that satirizes and critiques the fleeting nature of life and societal vices through illustrations by German artist Hans Holbein the Younger. He will also reference literary works like José Gorostiza’s poem ‘Muerte sin fin’ and José Guadalupe Posada’s depiction of La Catrina.
Concerns Regarding Cultural Restructuring
Matos Moctezuma expressed concerns about the recent restructuring in Mexico’s federal cultural sector, specifically the creation of the Unidad de Culturas Vivas within the Secretaría de Cultura. He believes that this new entity duplicates functions already performed by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) and questions the allocation of resources for such a project.
Duplicity of Functions and Resource Allocation
Many researchers, particularly from the INAH, have voiced dissatisfaction with this new cultural unit’s creation due to overlapping responsibilities. Matos Moctezuma points out that there are concerns about how indigenous and Afro-descendant cultures will be addressed, specifically regarding the potential folklorization and politicization of indigenous rituals.
Folklorization and Manipulation of Indigenous Cosmovision
Matos Moctezuma has observed a misunderstanding of indigenous presence in recent years, particularly concerning rituals like ‘bastones de mando’ (ceremonial sticks). He warns that such misinterpretations can lead to the manipulation and politicization of indigenous cosmovisions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Eduardo Matos Moctezuma’s upcoming work about? His latest publication will explore death in Mexico across various historical periods, contrasting pre-Hispanic beliefs with Christian concepts imposed during colonization.
- What concerns does Matos Moctezuma have regarding the new cultural unit? He is concerned about function duplication with the INAH and questions the allocation of resources for this new entity.
- What is Matos Moctezuma’s stance on the potential folklorization of indigenous rituals? He warns against the misinterpretation and manipulation of indigenous cosmovisions, emphasizing the importance of proper understanding and respect for these cultural practices.
