Dreams of Otomi Carnival in the Northern Sierra of Puebla

Abstract

In the Sierra Norte of Puebla, Otomi traditional medicine is practiced by bädi healers who learn everything they know through their ancient gods called antiguas. The Otomi people affirm that Zithu, the devil, is the most powerful antigua and the great master of all healers, because it has much strength, a lot of nzahki. This is why such deity is proffered great offerings during Otomi Carnival, as this is the feast in which Zithu comes to play, have fun and engage with humans. During Carnival, all healers place an offering for Zithu at their own homes and a different house is visited every day, to dance around the corresponding offering. However, healers first have to dream the offering. In other words, healers are visited by the devil in their dreams to tell them how the Carnival offerings must be.
This article aims to show the important role played by healers within the Otomi Carnival that takes place in the community of Ixtololoya, municipality of Pantepec in the Sierra Norte of Puebla.

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