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Colombia's Pacific lowlands Geographic area Maps History Bibliography Glossary Mazamorreo Quicktime video Film structure Festivals Consultants |
Mazamorreo: In Search of Memory / En búsqueda de Memoria is a documentary which recompiles the memories and traditions of Afro-Colombian communities of the Cauca region located in the Pacific lowlands. The first production was shot in Guápi (Cauca), during the Christmas festivities of 1998; the second production took place in December 1999 in Guápi (Cauca) and the Timbiquí Rivers (Cauca). The testimonials gathered in this video belong to those who shared their childhood, adulthood and ancestral memories with us.
The stories presented offer viewers an insight into the history and the region. It presents the traditional mining landscape of the Timbiquí river, the Catholic beliefs represented in the Divine Child devotion; the traditional music, dance and the legendary chants called Currulao, Alabaos and Arrullos, are all illustrated.
Structure and description
I. The Colonial Period: Introduction
Short factual information is given about the Slavery trade in the New Kingdom of Granada during the XVI and XVII centuries. The title word, mazamorreo, is explained.
II. The Mining Heritage: Santa María de Timbiquí (Cauca), 1999
Profesora Benedicta Grueso Ocoró: Born in Santa María de Timbiquí, 1941. The daughter of miners, she learned mining traditions from her parents and grandparents. She explains the role of the foreign ('French') company that settled in her town during the beginning of the 20th century. She has a master's degree in Environmental Education and is a community leader who works with women and children in her community. Also, she coordinates a dance group.
III. A Life Time and Fate
Doña Aura Sevillano de González: Born in Barbacoas (Nariño) in 1926
Doña Aura and late husband, Don Esteban González settled in Guápi in 1947. Entrepreneurs in a new land, they raised nine children who at their turn, have migrated to Cali (Valle del Cauca). The González' traded in gold and then moved into other kind of businesses. Doña Aura relates her memories on the three fires in Guápi and explains her devotion to the Divine Jesus. The Christmas celebrations are explicated.
IV. Music and Dance: Don Silvino and the Beauty Contest, 1998
Don Silvino Minas: Born in Chamón (Cauca) in 1933
Traditional and folk musician, don Silvino explains how he was initiated in his craft. He shows us how he builds and tunes the marimba, which is an African rooted instrument. (He is the leader of a local band made of native musicians).
Grupo Bahía: Founded in 1992 by the youngest son of Doña Aura and Don Esteban, Hugo Candelario González S. (b. Guápi, 1967), Grupo Bahía is a music group incorporating traditional rhythms from the Pacific Lowlands and current rhythms of the Caribbean.
V. The Old Ways
Doña Rita Tulia Perlaza Velásquez: Born in Guápi (Cauca) in 1911
Doña Rita, a matriarch, activist and church member, was a teacher from 1929-1990. During the 1998 beauty contest, she organized the "Sardinas Band" (the Chick's Band). As a community leader, she leads important events such as funerals. In a vivid manner, she explains the dances her grandmother used to dance.
VI. The Present
Aura Elena González S. (Maye), born in Guápi (Cauca), 1960 Maye is a community leader who helps organizing 76 women groups based in the Cauquean lowlands. She explains the goals of a network she works with called "Matamba y Guasá" providing a vision of the present, and future for the region.
Acknowledgements
This documentary has received support, in-kind sponsorship and funding from various sources and organizations in Chicago and Colombia. Among these organizations are:
The Illinois Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Illinois General Assembly, the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, the Chicago Arts Assistantship Program, the Chicago Artist International Program, Lufthansa Airlines, United Airlines, Hammer & Pixel, Gold 'n' Group Productions, the Chicago Caribbean Arts Association, América Negra and the Center for Black Music Research.