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Danza de las Malinches

Carlos Mérida; F.A.R. Publishers Ltd.

Artwork Details

Danza de las Malinches
circa 1937-1939
Carlos Mérida; F.A.R. Publishers Ltd.
lithograph on paper
16 7/8 in x 12 1/2 in (42.86 cm x 31.75 cm)
Museum Purchase
1944.3

Description

Subject Matter:

This is one of a series of ten prints that depict the traditional dances of México. Mérida was the co-founder of the dance school for the Secretariat of Education (Escuela de la Danza de la Secretaría de Educación Pública), which worked to preserve the native dances of the region. In addition to this set, at this time, he produced a number of series that cataloged the popular arts and industries of Mexico and his native Guatemala. 
This print depicts the "Dance of the Malinches." Malinche refers to both a historical figure, the Nahau woman who lived during Aztec times and was a close advisor to the Spanish Hernán Cortez, and also a reference to the pre-Columbian lunar goddess Malinalli. Though the central figures of this dance are women, men also participate—shown here. 

Physical Description:

Centered on the page, this print shows two figures. They both wear white pants trimmed in red and purple and a red shirt with white spots. Both figures have purple suspenders and a black hat with four white spots around the brim. Each figure holds a round black object with black, red and purple flares in one hand and a white pole with black, red, white and purple flares in the other.

Usage Rights:

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