Abstract

NOVA VAZQUEZ, Enrique de. The Wixarika territory and the regionalization of space based on traditional knowledge of the landscape. Invest. Geog [online]. 2023, n.112, e60739.  Epub Apr 22, 2024. ISSN 2448-7279.  https://doi.org/10.14350/rig.60739.

The lack of cultural geography studies on indigenous territories has generated a theoretical-methodological vacuum and a lack of knowledge in the understanding and cartographic representation of these spaces from the discipline and from the perception of their own inhabitants. To fill this gap, this article seeks to understand and represent theoretically and cartographically the spatial perception of the Wixaritari -an indigenous group of Mexico- from their own territorial knowledge for their regionalization in what will be called ethno-landscape units. For this purpose, several techniques and tools were used to collect, process and analyze information from written sources to identify spatial elements and compare them with the data obtained in the field through the use of ethnographic techniques such as direct and participant observation, informal interviews and direct questioning about the symbolic meaning of the landscape. In this sense, the cartographic proposal considered the integration of the traditional knowledge of the landscape that the Wixaritari have of their territory in a relief elevation model through the use of the open source software QGIS Desktop version 3.26.2 and its complement Profile tool, which allowed identifying seven ethnolandscape units based on their geographic and symbolic characteristics: I. Haramara, II. Haramara, II. T+karita, III. +tsita, IV. Hiritsie, V. K+yetsane, VI. Yetatakame and VII. Wirikuta. The aim is to generate tools of analysis for the study of indigenous territories, as well as to promote academic discussion and the revaluation of traditional knowledge, including within the Wixarika community from a geographic perspective.

Keywords : spirit of the place; ethnoterritory; ethnolandscape; symbolic space; sacred places.