Tradiciones Nuevomexicanas - by Mary Montaño (Paperback)

About the Book

This beautifully illustrated overview of the folk arts of New Mexico from the sixteenth century to the present covers both religious and secular arts including festivals, music, dance, and the visual arts.

Book Synopsis

Tradiciones Nuevomexicanas is the first comprehensive overview of the folk arts of New Mexico from the sixteenth century to the present. Both religious and secular art are covered, and the author discusses festivals, music, and dance; theater, poetry, and storytelling; and foodways and the healing arts. The book begins with a useful overview of New Mexico's history and includes specialized chronologies, glossaries, bibliographies, videographies, discographies, and a list of recommended readings. Drawing on the expertise of dozens of noted scholars, recognized experts, and living artists, it distills the scholarly works and detailed studies found in monographs and single-subject books to create a narrative that is accessible to the general reader.

In a state where the Nuevomexicano culture is under pressure to survive, especially in urban areas, readers will find this book critical in promoting pride and understanding in one's heritage among Nuevomexicano readers, and in promoting intercultural understanding and tolerance among non-Hispano readers. No student, scholar, or collector of the folk art for which New Mexico is known can do without this essential book.

Review Quotes

. . . written with the general reader in mind. How refreshing. It also serves as a textbook for students, as a coffee table book for guests to flip through and as a book for anyone interested in New Mexico history to browse. . . . "Tradiciones Nuevomexicanas" is a reward for ÝMontanos¨ tenacity and a reward for readers.

. . . Montanos excellent overview of traditional Hispanic folk arts is an invaluable contribution . . . highly readable and generously illustrated . . . this book should serve as a welcome addition to most public and academic libraries.

"Ý"Tradiciones Nuevomexicanas"¨ includes sections on religious arts and celebrations, secular ats, music, social dance, foodways, healing arts, and language arts. An intriguing blend of old and contemporary art makes this an exceptional and essential book for students, scholars, and folk art collectors."

"Filled with wonderful information, this book is highly recommended."

"Montaño and the University of New Mexico Press are to be complimented for producing this book, which makes ideal reading for students and others interested in a wide-ranging survey of New Mexican cultural history."

." . . written with the general reader in mind. How refreshing. It also serves as a textbook for students, as a coffee table book for guests to flip through and as a book for anyone interested in New Mexico history to browse. . . . "Tradiciones Nuevomexicanas is a reward for [Montano's] tenacity and a reward for readers."