Into the Hearts of the Amazons: In Search of a Modern Matriarchy - Hardcover

DeMott, Tom

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0299216403 ISBN 13: 9780299216405

Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press, 2006

Synopsis

Into the Hearts of the Amazons is part rousing travel adventure through a little-known world and part popular ethnography, exploring how Zapotec women earned their legendary status in a remote corner of southern Mexico. To satisfy his curiosity about this culture, Tom DeMott journeyed to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, where he discovered a thriving modern-day matriarchy among the people of the Isthmus—a cultural crossroads, breeding ground for rebels, and home to a half-million Zapotecs. DeMott integrated himself into the culture by joining in the rites of spring (where women pelt the men with fruit); by interviewing the women who control the marketplace where men are rarely seen; and by honoring the saints with drink and dance at all-night ceremonies. Evoking these singular women and their culture, DeMott tackles a primal question: What would life be like if women, rather than men, had the advantage?

"For centuries the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, like a magnet, has attracted travelers, adventurers, scholars, romantics, and rebels. Something about Oaxaca and the Zapotec culture appeals to the curious and restless. DeMott's fine memoir captures the spirit of this quest. It will be of interest to anthropologists and general readers alike."—Howard Campbell, author of Zapotec Struggles

"Driven by an unquenchable personal passion for his subject, Tom DeMott has produced an exceptional narrative that deconstructs the clichés of a Mexican region and a people shrouded in romance and myth. Acutely observed, richly experienced, Into the Hearts of the Amazons exposes issues of matriarchy and culture through intimate, often bizarre, and surreal yet indelibly moving close encounters with the people of Juchitán and Tehuantepec."—Tony Cohan, author of On Mexican Time and Mexican Days

About this title

About the Author

Tom DeMott is a travel writer who lives in San Francisco. His work has appeared in many publications, including the San Francisco Observer and Clubmex.

Review

"Travel writer Demott journeys to the Zapotecs of Mexico's Isthmus of Tehuantepec to discover if their culture could be characterized as a matriarchy. The chapters alternate between Demott's own travel observations—dances, a funeral, Day of the Dead rituals, political protests—and historical and enthnographic investigations into the Zapotec matriarchy question. The book is at its best when portraying the strength and passion of the Isthmus women. Eventually, the reader is led to wonder whether the matriarchy question is less relevant than asking whether the region is better off for its particular social order. Demott's investigative zeal translates into a solid and engaging work of travel narrative."—Library Journal (Mar. 2006)

"For centuries the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, like a magnet, has attracted travelers, adventurers, scholars, romantics, and rebels. Something about Oaxaca and the Zapotec culture appeals to the curious and restless. DeMott's fine memoir captures the spirit o

"Driven by an unquenchable personal passion for his subject, Tom DeMott has produced an exceptional narrative that deconstructs the cliches of a Mexican region and a people shrouded in romance and myth. Acutely observed, richly experienced, Into the Hearts of the Amazons exposes issues of matriarchy and culture through intimate, often bizarre, and surreal yet indelibly moving close encounters with the people of Juchitán and Tehuantepec."—Tony Cohan, author of On Mexican Time and Mexican Days

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0299216403
• ISBN 13: 9780299216405
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 280