Dance of the macaws

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Collection Creator: Lothrop, S. K. (Samuel Kirkland), 1892-1965; Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation

See more items in: Samuel K. Lothrop photograph collection; Samuel K. Lothrop photograph collection / Series 3: MAI Central American Expedition in El Salvador / Cacaopera (Kakawira): Dance of the macaws

Collection Citation: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Samuel K. Lothrop photograph collection, NMAI.AC.001.010. National Museum of the American Indian Archives Center, Smithsonian Institution.

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Scope and Contents: View during the dance of the macaws performed by community members in Cacaopera, El Salvador. The Birdman, Jauguar man, and Macaw men defeat the bull, or "el torito pinto." A three level pyramid with a solid hut on top can be seen in the background. The pyramid symbolized the royal Taulépa House, though a cross was added on top by the church. The children, or "heirs," are on the pyramid to witness the dance. he two macaw men are wearing feather headdresses (NMAI 131009.000 and 131008.000). They, along with children, are holding gourd rattles (NMAI 131011.000). A group watches from under the eave of the communal house.
Additional Community Narrative: Note that here, flanked by the macaw dancers, the young Manauelike (Lenca King) defeats the bull. This symbolizes the hope of the people to one day triumph over the European beast that cleared the forest for pastures, leading to dispossession of land. The dance was repurposed as a political performance, and this is very important to know. Originally, the dance was to show allegiance to Ti Wanatuku who is the first sky-bird man, and first ancestor of the royals. Here, the young king cannot do this without the elders and their performance. A community approach indeed. Chief Leonel Chevez (October 2024)

Collection Restrictions: Access to NMAI Archives Center collections is by appointment only, Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Please contact the archives to make an appointment (phone: 301-238-1400, email: nmaiarchives@si.edu).

NMAI.AC.001.010_ref564

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NMAI.AC.001.010

NMAIA

Samuel K. Lothrop photograph collection

Creator

Lothrop, S. K. (Samuel Kirkland), 1892-1965

Summary

The Samuel K. Lothrop photograph collection primarily contains negatives, photographic prints, and lantern slides made by Lothrop while employed by the Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation from 1924-1930. Lothrop was an archaeologist and photographer who extensively traveled and worked throughout Central America and South America and led expeditions on behalf of the MAI to Argentina, Chi...