Latin America / Travel / Women's Studies / Anthropology
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Into
the Hearts of the Amazons A provocative travel narrative about one of the world's few matriarchal societies Into the Hearts of the Amazons is part enthralling travel adventure through a little-known world and part popular ethnography, exploring how Zapotec women earned their legendary status in a remote corner of southern Mexico. To satisfy his curiosity about this culture, Tom DeMott journeyed to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, where he discovered a thriving modern-day matriarchy among the people of the Isthmus–a cultural crossroads, breeding ground for rebels, and home to a half-million Zapotecs. DeMott integrated himself into the culture by joining in the rites of spring (where women pelt the men with fruit); by interviewing the women who control the marketplace where men are rarely seen; and by honoring the saints with drink and dance at all-night ceremonies. Evoking these singular women and their culture, DeMott tackles a primal question: What would life be like if women, rather than men, had the advantage? "For centuries the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, like a magnet, has attracted travelers, adventurers, scholars, romantics, and rebels. Something about Oaxaca and the Zapotec culture appeals to the curious and restless. DeMott's fine memoir captures the spirit of this quest. It will be of interest to anthropologists and general readers alike."–Howard Campbell, author of Zapotec Struggles "Driven by an unquenchable personal
passion for his subject, Tom DeMott has produced an exceptional
narrative that deconstructs the cliches of a Mexican region and
a people shrouded in romance and myth. Acutely observed, richly
experienced, Into the Hearts of the Amazons exposes issues
of matriarchy and culture through intimate, often bizarre, and
surreal yet indelibly moving close encounters with the people
of Juchitán and Tehuantepec."–Tony Cohan, author
of On Mexican Time and Mexican Days
For more information contact our publicity manager, phone: (608) 263-0734, email: publicity@uwpress.wisc.edu There is a press kit available for Tom DeMott's book. For additional information, see Tom DeMott's Web site at tomdemott.comOf related interest The Purple Land W. H. Hudson With a new introduction by Ilan Stavans Illustrated by Keith Henderson Available ISBN 0-299-18224-X Paper The Americas series |
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