Daily Life of Aztec Indians in Early 20th Century Chihuahua

This glass negative from the Bain News Service, created between 1910 and 1915, documents the lives of the Aztec Indians in Chihuahua, Mexico. Despite the name Aztec, its important to note that this region was home to a diverse range of Indigenous groups long after the fall of the Aztec Empire in the early 16th century. The photograph captures not just a moment in time but also echoes the rich cultural heritage and history in this part of Mexico.

Chihuahua has a notable Indigenous background, including the Tarahumara and Rarámuri peoples, who have lived in the Sierra Madre mountains for centuries. The photograph serves as a visual record, providing insights into the daily lives and traditions of these communities during a period of significant change in Mexico, often marked by the influence of modernity and colonial legacies. Such images help us understand the continuity and evolution of Indigenous identities even as external pressures shaped their realities.