contributions
We invite you to read, watch, and listen to a variety of contributions and materials that have been conceived of as extensions and insights into our collaborations, facilitations, and programs. Predominantly commissioned by Spore, it is a repository of sonic notes, stories, poems, essays, and tools authored by individuals from different walks of life. They are published in their multiple original languages with occasional translations.
En el primer día de taller pudimos conocer a las personas que integrarían el grupo y con quienes compartiríamos el resto de la semana aprendiendo sobre técnicas, saberes, formas y maneras de ver y realizar arte a partir de elementos propios de la naturaleza. Se reunió un grupo de adolescentes entre los 11 a 14 años y doña Cande de 28 años, la mayoría interesados por el dibujo y sus expresiones, otros por el trabajo del maestro José Chi y sus procesos pictóricos.
notesAbstract in English, based on the original text in Spanish.
The Xook K’iin — “reading, counting the days”, in Peninsular Yucatec Maya—is a technique of forecasting the future in order to adapt the tasks of the milpa cycle, depending on a series of meteorological predictions.
notes
Como es consabido, el xook k’iin —“leer/contar los días”, en idioma maya peninsular o yucateco— es una técnica de previsión de futuro que adecua las tareas del ciclo de la milpa en tiempo y forma dados por una serie de predicciones meteorológicas.
notesResumen: En este texto se ofrece una visión panorámica del contexto histórico, sociocultural y ambiental en el que se desarrollan algunos de los principales megaproyectos que amenazan el patrimonio biocultural del pueblo maya de Yucatán y en particular el Xok k’iin. Yucatán es un ecosistema muy vulnerable a la contaminación del agua subterránea y a los efectos del cambio climático, fenómenos que ponen en riesgo los conocimientos y prácticas tradicionales de las comunidades mayas. Finalmente, se señalan experiencias recientes de defensa del patrimonio biocultural.
Translated by Joel Scott and Andrea Garcés for Gegensatz Translation Collective.
Abstract: This text offers a broad overview of the historical, socio-cultural and environmental context in which some of the main megaprojects threatening the biocultural heritage of the Maya people of Yucatán were developed, among them the Xok k’iin. Yucatán’s ecosystem is susceptible to groundwater contamination as well as the effects of climate change, and these phenomena put the traditional practices and knowledge of the Maya community at risk. Finally, I outline some recent examples of how biocultural heritage has been successfully defended.
notesFor years, Indigenous Peoples have demonstrated that they are experts in adaptation and resilience. 470 million people worldwide belong to Indigenous Peoples, they live in seven sociocultural regions, and although they make up only six percent of the earth's population, they are the custodians of over 80 percent of the world's biodiversity. In the face of centuries of discrimination and marginalization, the key to their survival lies in their holistic understanding of the world: in how they focus on nature and knowledge of their territories, cycles and temporalities. One example are the Maya people of the Yucatán Peninsula, who have survived for more than 3,000 years in a region where they are exposed to different extreme weather events.
notesKex tumen ich kastláan contar días u na’atale’, maya Xook K’iine’ ma’ jump’éel nu’ukuli’, mix jump’éel u ju’unil nu’ukbesaji’, ba’ale’ jump’éel miaatsil wa jump’éel u kóotsol; ilbil ba’al, u’uybil ba’al wa jump’éel kuxlajeb, tumen jump’éel ba’al ku yúuchul sáansamal, láalaj áak’ab, láalaj chíinil k’iin wa láalaj ja’atskabil tu’ux ku sakaltikubaa sijnáalil, beey jump’éel otochnáalil tu’ux ku múul kuxtal jumpakab láak’tsililo’ob ku pakláan ki’imak óoltikuba’ob ti’al u utsil kuxtalo’obe’.
– Pedro Uc Be
