Islands in the Lake: Environment and Ethnohistory in Xochimilco, New Spain

Mexico City was once part of a flourishing lake environment, but pastoralism and new ways of using and modifying the lakes have affected the ecological basis of the lakes. This study explores Xochimilco using native-language documents to trace patterns of change.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 337 pages
\n Publication date: 14 October 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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Once upon a time, Mexico City was a thriving lake environment, but it has now gained a notorious reputation for its aridity and air pollution. However, it's important to note that this wasn't always the case. In the nearby Xochimilco region, Native Americans had a unique way of modifying the lakes to create a thriving aquatic society that provided ecological autonomy for the local residents. This allowed them to protect their communities' integrity, maintain their way of life, and preserve many aspects of their cultural heritage.

While the area's ecology allowed for a wide array of socioeconomic and cultural continuities during colonial rule, demographic change began to impact the ecological basis of the lakes. Pastoralism and new ways of using and modifying the lakes began to shape the watery landscape and the surrounding communities.

In this captivating study, Con explores Xochimilco using native-language documents, which serve as a hallmark of this continuity and a means to trace patterns of change. These documents provide valuable insights into the lives of the people who lived in Xochimilco and their interactions with the lakes.

Through his research, Con reveals that the lakes in Xochimilco were not just a source of water and food but also a place of cultural and spiritual significance. The Native Americans who lived in the region saw the lakes as sacred and believed that they were connected to the gods. They used the lakes for religious ceremonies, fishing, and transportation, and they also built floating gardens and canals to enhance their productivity.

However, as time passed, the ecological basis of the lakes began to deteriorate. The introduction of livestock, agricultural practices, and urbanization led to the pollution of the water and the degradation of the surrounding environment. The water became murky, and the fish population dwindled, causing economic and social problems for the local communities.

Despite these challenges, the people of Xochimilco have continued to cherish and protect their lake environment. They have worked tirelessly to restore the ecological balance and preserve the cultural heritage of the region. They have also developed sustainable practices to ensure that the lakes can continue to provide for their needs in the future.

In conclusion, Mexico City's transformation from a thriving lake environment to a notorious urban center is a testament to the impact of demographic change and environmental degradation. However, it is also a story of resilience and adaptation. The people of Xochimilco have shown that they are capable of preserving their cultural heritage and adapting to changing circumstances, and their efforts to protect the lake environment are a model for other communities around the world.

\n Weight: 754g\n
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 32 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781316518892\n \n