Heart of Sonora: Yaqui Tribe
Located in the south of the state of Sonora, Mexico, and distributed in 8 towns, it's one of the most representative ethnic groups of the state, recognized for its history and traditions.
By Sonoran Institute of Culture
Instituto Sonorense de Cultura
Yaquis Antiguos (1930) by AnónimoSonoran Institute of Culture
Who is the Yaqui Tribe?
Calling themselves a “Tribe” or “Nation”, they live in the south of the state of Sonora, Mexico, predominantly in their 8 towns which are Vícam, Pótam, Belem, Huírivis, Ráhum, Tórim, Bácum and Cócorit. Each town has a governor and the main capital is the town of Vícam.
Their language is “Jiak Noki” and according to official figures (INEGI 2020) of its 21,789 inhabitants, 18,239 are speakers.
Ania Balutek (2020) by Ricardo EscalanteSonoran Institute of Culture
Historical resistance
They have been characterized by the defense of their customs and traditions.
In the first encounter with the Spanish who intended to conquer their land, the warrior Ania Balutek marked a line in the ground and said: “If you cross this line, you will all die” and that is practically what happened.
Dance of the Deer
The Yaqui tribe has what is perhaps the most representative dance of the state. This cultural manifestation involves the strongest sacred elements of their worldview. It is a sign of vitality and resistance, as well as a religious love of nature.
Pascola Dance
Known as the "Old Man of the Party", he accompanies a wide variety of rituals in which he is not only seen with the deer, but also acts as a leading element in the Yaqui wedding, in solemnities and in participations that border on mischief.
The "3-stitch huarache" and the teneboim (an attached rattle made of butterfly cocoons) are the rhythmic support in the pascola dance.
Violinista Yaqui (2023) by ISCSonoran Institute of Culture
Music
Music is a key element in the life of the Yaquis, as it accompanies the ritual and daily life of the tribe, which is full of activity. The sounds of the harp and violin have their special moments according to the ritual and, above all, the time at which they should be played.
Yaqui children are preparing to keep their traditions, uses and customs alive, from the children who sing deer and play the scrapers, to the girls who recreate dances from folklore and the exaltation of their traditional clothing.
Yaqui gastronomy
There are distinctive dishes, one of them being Wakabaaki, a broth with a very special flavor that is a must for anyone visiting the Yaqui community. Also highly appreciated are the flour tortillas made directly from a metal disk on the stove and whose flavor is unmatched.
Bordado (2024) by ISCSonoran Institute of Culture
Craft
One of the most recurrent and representative handicraft products is embroidery. Characterized by the use of colors with striking contrasts, highlighting the presence of flowers, a permanent emblem that goes from the everyday to the gala and the ritual.
Tap to explore
Belonging to the network of museums of the state of Sonora, it is located in the town of Cócorit, showing the characteristic features of the Yaqui Tribe between worldview, history, religion, territory, medicine, government, festivals, music and dance.
Some elements in the rooms of the Yaqui museum
Bandera (1985) by MuseoSonoran Institute of Culture
Yaqui flag
This image synthesizes the worldview of the Yaqui Tribe, alluding to the immediate natural elements from heaven to earth, religion, day and night.
Instituto Sonorense de Cultura
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