The Garland Handbook of Latin American Music

1
The Garland Handbook of Latin American Music

• Part Three Nations and Musical Traditions,
  Middle Latin America, Tarahumara

2
Overview

• Tarahumara
• Inhabit Northwest Mexico (central and southern
  Chihuahua)
• Little acculturation despite frequent and
  increased contact with outsiders

3
Musical Instruments

• Traditional Tarahumara instruments
• Gourd container rattle (still in use), a drum,
  and musical bow
• European derived instruments (adapted by
  Tarahumara)
• guitar, violin, and possibly duct flute (as well
  as pipe-and-tabor combination)

4
Musical Traditions

• Contexts and genres
• Mainly socio-religious
• Blend indigenous and European ideas, beliefs
• include traditional and European derived
  ceremonies
• Ceremonies and rituals perpetuate and restore
  well-being of individual and/or community