Rowera or Ariweta Race (1972-11) by Bob SchalkwijkMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Magical valleys
In the heart of Chihuahua, nestled in the enigmatic valleys and mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental, legendary races have emerged. From childhood, the Rarámuri, or Tarahumara, keep these races alive, building on their ancestral heritage.
Photographic intrigue
Over the course of 17 expeditions to the Sierra, photographer Bob Schalkwijk captured the magic of a tradition that fosters community kinship. Since his first visit to Guachochi, Chihuahua in 1965, he has encapsulated the unique essence of these events.
Transcendental journeys
Both he and his wife Nina were fascinated on these journeys. The men's and women's races, where barefoot competitors braved the circuit's rocky trails, were truly captivating.
Rowera or Ariweta Race (1965-04-23) by Bob SchalkwijkMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Games and races
The women's race is called a rowera or carrera de ariweta (ariweta race). In teams, competitors use an 31-inch stick to skillfully throw an ariweta hoop. Each throw covers around 44 to 55 yards.
Rowera or Ariweta Race (1972-11) by Bob SchalkwijkMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Tools of the game
The ariweta (hoop) varies from 4 to 6 inches in diameter. In the past, this was typically made from plant fibers braided with a cloth ribbon. Nowadays, it is made from a wire hoop wrapped in fabric.
Rarajípari Race (1972-11) by Bob SchalkwijkMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Komakali
Rarajípari is the men's competition, where teams use their feet to propel a komakali, a wooden ball measuring 2.7 to 3.1 inches in diameter and weighing 9 oz. They propel the ball forward around 44 yards before skillfully and enthusiastically chasing after it.
Rules of the race
The runners use a stick to guide the balls, but never touch the balls with their hands. They carve the komakali themselves from the roots of local trees such as arbutus, oak or alligator juniper.
Rarajípari Race (1972-11) by Bob SchalkwijkMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Types of races
In the words of the Rarámuri, their races are divided into small, medium and large depending on their duration and purpose. While small races are often impromptu and suitable for children, adults can also participate in distances of anywhere from one to even six miles.
Rowera or Ariweta Race (1965-04-23) by Bob SchalkwijkMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Vast distances
The big races, which require months of planning, can last up to 20 hours for men and 15 hours for women. The teams run up to 124 miles, supported by communities who provide them with water and pinole to help them reach their goal.
Rowera or Ariweta Race (1965-04-23) by Bob SchalkwijkMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
What's at stake?
A fun and crucial aspect of racing is betting on the best runners. Prizes range from fabric for making shirts or skirts, to ready-made garments, blankets, animals or even money.
Rarajípari Race (1965-04-23) by Bob SchalkwijkMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Bets get bigger
Races, especially the big ones, stir up high expectations due to the considerable amounts at stake.
Timeless changes
During his second visit in 1972, Bob Schalkwijk noted how time had left its mark on the race.
Everything changes with time
Subtle changes in clothing, such as men wearing shirts, T-shirts or trousers, and the use of akáa (sandals with tire soles) embody a living tradition that is constantly evolving over time.
Rarajípari Race (1965-04-23) by Bob SchalkwijkMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Community ties
The rarajípari and rowera races are social events. Although they may be symbolic acts in honor of the dearly departed, their main purpose is to foster interaction between the often distant Rarámuri communities.
Rowera or Ariweta Race (1972-11) by Bob SchalkwijkMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Strength in remembrance
In essence, the races strengthen community ties and perpetuate ancestral Rarámuri traditions. They are a clear demonstration of the effort, strength, skill, and courage of the Rarámuri people.
Rowera or Ariweta Race (1972-11) by Bob SchalkwijkMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Rarámuri races
A cultural legacy from Mexico to the world.
This story was made possible thanks to collaboration from Bob Schalkwijk.
Archive: Bob Schalkwijk, Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico.
