In the heart of Tlaxcala, an ancient legend comes alive again thanks to the comic “The Legend of the First Tlaxcalli,” a work that rescues the Otomi legacy and exalts the symbolism of corn in Mesoamerican culture.
The work is a collaboration between writer Enrique Flores Sandoval and illustrator Sareki López, members of the Editorial Cómictlan collective.
The book’s central character is Xilonen, the goddess of tender corn, venerated in Zacatelco during pre-Hispanic times. Through her journey to discover the original recipe for the tortilla, the two artists recounted the creative process behind the comic, which is part of a series dedicated to the legends of Tlaxcala, especially those left out of traditional historical accounts.
However, the authors not only recount an ancient legend, but also the essential role of corn in the culinary and spiritual identity of the Mexican people.
The work also addresses the nixtamalization process and the nutritional properties of this grain.
One of the comic’s most notable values is its commitment to linguistic and visual inclusion, incorporating Tlaxcalan landscapes, traditional agricultural scenes, and Nahuatl words, so that new generations can recognize the relevance of this native language in their communities.
The official presentation of the book took place at the Miguel N. Lira Museum, as part of the reading promotion program promoted by the Tlaxcala Ministry of Culture.
Source: e-consulta
