Decolonizing Mexican American Museums: Exhibiting Indigenous Feminism in the 1994 Zapatista Political Uprising
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Authors
Espinoza Chamale, Diana Maritza
Issue Date
2023
Type
Thesis
Language
Keywords
Decolonization , Indigenous Feminism , Indigenous Paradigms , Mexican American , Museum
Alternative Title
Abstract
Museums are one of the most effective and engaging spaces in which to transmit historyto the public. However, these institutions have colonial, imperial, and patriarchal agendasthat have excluded women and communities of color from the historical narrative. Thisthesis argues that Mexican Americans museums have constructed their historicalnarratives based on a homogenized racial identity and patriarchal gender norms that havecreated idealistic representations of Indigenous Peoples. This thesis deconstructs thenarratives presented within these spaces and recenters Indigenous women through abilingual museum exhibit titled, Ella: Women in the EZLN, which focuses on Indigenouswomen’s participation in the 1994 Zapatista Political Rebellion in Chiapas, Mexico. Acommitment to Indigenous paradigms was utilized throughout the paper and the exhibitas a way for the Tzotzil, Tzeltal, Tojolabal, Chol, Mame, and Zoque to hold greatercontrol over their narratives.