Episode 29: Acequias - A Forgotten History!

Acequias - A Forgotten History!

The Acequia is a communal irrigation ditch, and its continued use is a testament to the cultural resiliency of the New Mexican people. But where does this tradition come from? Sadly, most New Mexicans have a distorted understanding of Acequia history and credit its creation solely to Moors and Spaniards. In this episode we dig a little deeper, and explore the Mesoamerican contributions to the Acequias of Mexico and New Mexico! 

Your hosts:

Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He is currently a professor of Chicano Studies at the Colegio Chicano del Pueblo, a free online educational institution.
@kurlytlapoyawa

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

Cited in this episode:

 Cover Art: Artist’s impression of part of the canal network linking chinampas around Tenochtitlan by  Alberto Beltrán, found at Mexicolore.co.uk.

Uppsala Map can be found at the World Digital Library https://www.wdl.org/en/item/503/

"Tlalok San Ysidro" Available for download here: raquelzrivera.hearnow.com
Used with permission by the artists:
Raquel Z. Rivera
Arnaldo Acosta
Fidel González 

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