The Tarahumara Indians

Mexico’s Copper Canyon is the ancestral homewith leather thong ties.
of the private, self–sufficient Tarahumara Indians.They say they don’t make friends as two bad
They are often described as being the most primitivethings can happen to friends, they argue or fight and
Indian tribe in North America. They are closely relatedsadly, friends die. Among the Tarahumara everything
to the Pima Indians of southern Arizona.belongs to everybody, private property doesn’t
In the winter they live in caves, and move into smallexist, so they share food and housing. A man calling
log cabins in the summer. In the evening if you gazeat someone’s home will make his presence
at the canyon wall you’ll see what looks likeknown before approaching. If women are alone he
stars flickering, which is actually the light from thewill not enter the home. Unless married, men and
fires in the caves.women generally talk to one another only when
Originally inhabitants of much of the state ofnecessary and then at a distance with averted faces.
Chihuahua, Mexico upon the arrival of the SpanishThe traditional garb for men is a white breechcloth.
Conquistadors, they were forced to retreat to theThe women often wear their entire wardrobe. They
Copper Canyon. Their population diminished over themay have as many as 7 very colorful skirts on and
years by disease, drought and poverty is estimatedswitch when they want.
at 50,000 to 70,000. In that they are so reclusive it isIt’s impossible not to fall in love with the
near impossible to get an accurate count.Tarahumara children. Their toy chests are devoid of
Tarahumara is a Spanish corruption of the wordTonka Trucks, Lego’s or Barbie dolls. They make
Raramuri, which means “running people.”games from whatever is available to them, sticks,
Tarahumara Indians are the world’s strongeststones whatever. They don’t steal your money
long distance runners, running up to 125 mile non-stopthey steal your heart.
and have been known to go 600 miles in 6 days.As you leave the Tarahumara Indians take with you
They hunt deer and turkeys by chasing them to awords that refer to their customs and environment:
point where the game collapses from exhaustion.“I greet you as the Dove that warbles, I wish
The Indians prefer to run bare-foot or wearyou health and happiness with your loved ones.
huaraches which are made from rubber tire soles