Reciprocal and Collaborative Work in Oaxaca: The Story of Los Mecos, the Traditional Dance of San Juan Bautista Coixtlahuaca

Abstract

This text seeks to critically examine different forms of cross-cultural investigation through an anti-colonial lens, beginning to hopefully undo often extractive relationships between academics and indigenous communities. The work will emphasize a reciprocal approach in which this project will be conducted as a collaborative effort between myself and the community of Coixtlahuaca in contribution to the indigenous culture revitalization work and activism that is already being done. This is accomplished by applying a mixed-method approach in which I utilize group interviews, participant observation, and photography to archive, record, and preserve a traditional dance in Coixtlahuaca, La Danza de Los Mecos.