Abstract

ARAIZA HERNANDEZ, Elizabeth. El montaje teatral de las identidades: Personajes rancheros y actores indígenas en las pastorelas de la sierra purépecha. Nueva antropol [online]. 2013, vol.26, n.79, pp.75-98. ISSN 0185-0636.

Many aspects of rituals are still the focus of debate in Anthropology, pitting diverse schools of thought and authors in direct confrontation one with another. However, there is convergence among them that rituals express, communicate, and reflect the identity of the social groups who perform these rituals. This article reflects on the problematical character of this assumption by examining Christmas plays carried out in the Purépechan area. Given that the idea of identity cannot be overlooked, the text points out not one, but several identities are involved in these Christmas plays. They are not simple expressions or reflections of identity as perceived in ordinary life. In Christmas plays identities are presented in unusual ways: they are affirmed at the same time they are negated. For this purpose the author undertakes a critical review of classic theories of ritual and builds an alternative perspective.

Keywords : Identity; ritual; Christmas play ("pastorela"); Purépechas.