Lecture Notes: Black in Latin America - Mexico and Peru

Introduction

• African ancestry often hidden in plain sight.
• Many people unaware of their African heritage.
• Increasing recognition of African roots in Mexico and Peru.

African Influence in Mexico

Historical Context

• Tlacotalpan: founded in the 16th century, flourishing by the 18th century due to slave-driven industries.
• African roots in Mexican culture visible in music and dance, such as fandangos and La Bamba.

Cultural Blending

• Zapateo and La Bamba as examples of African contribution.
• African slaves brought polyrhythms to Mexican music, blending with Hispanic instruments.
• Fandango: a mix of Hispanic and African influences, features polyrhythm.

Veracruz: A Portal of Slavery

• Main entry point for slaves since 1535.
• From 1535 to 1650, black and mulatto populations equalled the white population.
• Slaves were medically inspected in a dehumanizing manner (licking of beards for salt content).
• Slaves were highly valued, some costing as much as a house.

Black Heritage and Identity

• Blending and dilution of black ancestry over generations.
• Local dialect features and skin tones suggest African descent.
• Historical invisibility of African contributions and existence in Mexican society.
• Cultural practices and cuisine in Mexico show African influences (e.g., mogo mogo, fufu).

African Influence in Peru

Historical Context

• Lima once considered a black city; significant African presence.
• First African slaves brought in 1527 by the Spanish.
• High percentage of black population in Lima during colonial times.

Cultural Contributions

• Pancho Fierro's paintings document life and contributions of Afro-Peruvians in colonial society.
• Afro-Peruvian music traditions preserved and celebrated.

Social Challenges and Developments

• Post-abolition reality similar to American South; many Afro-Peruvians remained impoverished, often working the same lands.
• Modern efforts to embrace Afro-Peruvian identity and combat racism.
• Government's public apology for historical discrimination.

Comparisons and Reflections

• Mexico and Peru's complex racial histories show the blending and hiding of African ancestry.
• Afro-Latinos have a dual identity, being both black and Latino.
• Importance of acknowledging multicultural heritage for societal growth.

Conclusion

• Acknowledging African roots is crucial for understanding the cultural and historical identity of Mexico and Peru.
• Continuing efforts to recognize and celebrate Afro-Latin heritage essential for future progress.