Markus Martinez Burman

Environmental scientist and Documentary Photographer

www.markusburman.com

Juchitan

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Location: Norwich, UK

Nationality: Swedish and Mexican

Biography: Coming soon...

In my grandfather's bo...andfather´s lifetime

In my grandfather's book Bishe (1989) he writes "one day, the river of Zapiloapan lowered its waters until it dried (...) since then Juchitán and it's flowers never opened earlier". Many rivers surrounding Juchitan and the Isthmus have been historically drained for the production of oil, which occurred during my grandfather´s lifetime

The town hall clock was still ... to the communities.

The town hall clock was still unrepaired and with clear signs of deterioration after the earthquake. At the time, many were still scared of incoming earthquakes and aftershocks that could further damage to the communities.

Totopos, a local food that is ...d by women from the community.

Totopos, a local food that is produced traditionally in Juchitec communities. Totopos have a smoky and sweet flavor with a crunchy texture. Totopos are made in a special way so they can be stored and last longer than regular toasted tortillas. In the markets you can see them packed in stacks like these as they're produced and sold by women from the community.

When you walk into Zapotec mar...ities through a local economy.

When you walk into Zapotec markets in Juchitan, Women will be the leading traders in the community. Their leading role goes beyond that, they produce most artisanry and foods that for centuries have continued to sustain communities through a local economy.

My grandfather, Juan Martinez ...e his death in 2008.

My grandfather, Juan Martinez Lopez, never learned Zapotec, Juchitan´s native language, until he was older and did a postgraduate degree in Medicine in Mexico City. After that, he wrote poetry in Zapotec as a protest to conserve his language. His small library remains untouched in his home in Juchitan since his death in 2008.

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Private Story

Juchitan

Copyright Markus Martinez Burman 2024

Updated Feb 2021

My family moved away from Juchitan in the 80´s as they saw no food or health security. My grandfather learned his native tongue Zapotec in Mexico CIty. By doing this I believe he reconnected with his culture and his people through language. He continued to actively protect his language and culture since then and left behind a collection of poems written in Zapotec.

The following series of photographs were taken during my visit to Juchitan, Oaxaca in July, 2018. Less than a year after a devastating earthquake hit the indigenous Zapotec communities and towns that surround Juchitan. On my visit, there was a deep realization within me that we aren´t doing enough to protect indigenous knowledge, culture and ways of life.

Markus Martinez Burman / Osa Peininsula, Costa Rica

Aug 27, 2020

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