Cultura Oaxaqueña

  Oaxacan jewelry reflects Mesoamerican traditions dating back to 1500 B.C. In pre-columbian times Mixtec and Zapotec jewelry was used for religious purposes and burial ceremonies. Mixtec jewelry can be found in the Museum of the American Indian in New York and the Museum of Oaxaca.

  Alebrijes: Wood carvings, usually shaped in the form of animals. The word alebrije means something that is “jumbled, confused or fantastic.” Is there a similar craft in Maine? What type of wood carvings do we have here? What are the shapes?

  Open air markets: The mercados in Oaxaca have become popular tourist attractions. Artisans sell their products, such as rugs, pottery, wood carvings, and jewelry. Mercados are also good places to eat and try out a great variety of Oaxacan dishes. There are several types of markets in Latin American cities; there are artisan’s markets, produce markets and flower markets. Is there an open-air market in Brunswick? ME? How is it similar/different from the markets in Latin American countries?

El arte de regatear.

You are visiting your pen pal, Marisela, in Oaxaca, Mexico for two weeks during your summer vacation. She takes you to el Mercado Benito Juarez, the open-air market in downtown Oaxaca, on the first Sunday morning after your arrival. You find some jewelry and some handicrafts you want to purchase. Bargain with the vendor (your classmate) for the two items.

Modelo para regatear: Practica con otro estudiante. Necesito voluntarios para actuar el diálogo en frente de la clase. Follow this model and replace, the underlined words. Remember…use cuesta if noun is singular and cuestan if noun is plulal.

Tú--Me gustan estos aretes. ¿Cuánto cuestan?

Vendedor--65 peso.

Tú--No tengo 65 pesos. Tengo 50. ¿Está bien?

Vendedor- -No. Necesito 60 pesos. ¡Y es una ganga! (it’s a bargain).

Tú--Puedo darle 55 pesos. ¿Bien?

Vendedor--Está bien. 55 pesos.

Tú--Me gustan estos platos también. ¿Cuánto cuestan?

Vendedor--Son 75 pesos.

Tú—¡Es demasiado! Tengo solo 50 pesos.

Vendedor--Necesito 65 pesos.

Tú—Le puedo ofrecer 60.

Vendedor--Bien, ¡pero es un regalo!