Introduction
The Yaqui speak a dialect of Cahita, which is a member of the Uto-Aztecan language family. Their homeland is in Sonora, Mexico, along the lower banks of the Rio Yaqui River, an area where many Yaqui still live. Others, however, live in small communities in Arizona, having immigrated there at the turn of the 20th century to escape enslavement by the Mexican government. Theirs is a rich culture that results from a unique fusion of their Catholic and indigenous heritages.
Map of Yaqui Territories
Instructions: Using the slide button on the lower right hand corner, toggle between Yaqui Past Territories and Yaqui Modern Reservations pages. You can also click on the tabs on the top of the map to learn more. The selected page is highlighted in blue.
Required Readings
Griffin-Pierce Chapter Ch. 6
Learning Objectives
- Students will be able to describe how historical and political events impacted the Yaqui at different points in time
- Students will be able to describe the social and political structure of the Yaqui
- Students will be able to describe how indigenous beliefs and practices became fused with European ones to create modern-day Yaqui society and religious beliefs
- Students will be able to define major terms and concepts relevant to understanding Yaqui culture
Additional Resources
The following resources are optional for your exploration but highly encouraged.
Yaqui and Mayo Easter ceremonies
- http://www.rimjournal.com/arizyson/easter.htm
- http://www.uapress.arizona.edu/onlinebks/yaquieaster/welcome.htm
Video of Yaqui deer dancer
If you are having trouble viewing the video, click on the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CK0aLVUqx0&feature=related
Videos of Fariseos
If you are having trouble viewing these videos, the links are below.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_RjGOHb4hA&feature=related
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m15YhiHKQI0&feature=related
Major Concepts and Terms
Understand how indigenous beliefs and practices became fused with European ones to create modern-day Yaqui society and religious beliefs
- Cahita
- Deer dancer
- Pre-Contact Period
- Mission Period
- Autonomous Period
- Relocation Period
- General Porfirio Diaz
- Barrio
- Compadrazgo
- Cofradia
- Fariseos
- Enchanted World
- Flower World
- Flowers
- Passion Play
- Chapayeka
- Pahko
Click on next page to continue.