A Vital Matters Perspective: Interview with the Benítez Family by Diana Negrín d

Interview with the Benítez Family by Diana Negrín da Silva

Members of the Benítez family reflect on the life and legacy of José Benítez Sánchez—renowned Wixárika artist, mara’kame (spiritual guide), community leader, and founder of Colonia Zitácua. They speak about José’s early work and spiritual journey, his visionary contributions to Wixárika art—especially the creation of nierikas—and the profound messages carried through each piece. Through personal memories, they describe how Benítez blended artistic practice with sacred pilgrimage and ceremony, and how his teachings continue to shape their lives and work today. This interview offers an intimate look at how art, ancestry, and spirituality are woven together in Wixárika tradition, and why preserving this cultural knowledge is more vital than ever.

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1 ARTWORK

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José Benítez Sánchez

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Untitled

José Benítez Sánchez

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Untitled

José Benítez Sánchez

p008

p009

p010

p011

p012

p013

p014

p015

p016

p017

t001

t002

t009

t005

t003

t004

t008

t007

t006

v0077

v0044

v0048

v0043

v0046

v0061

v0039

v0076

v0045

v0085

v0071

v0062

v0047

v0042

v0056

v0059

v0079

v0049

v0041

v0080

v0072

v0081

v0038

v0054

v0057

v0068

v0052

v0058

v0070

v0053

v0063

v0065

v0060

v0074

v0075

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v0067

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5 PEOPLE

Luciana

Benítez Rentería

Artist

Daughter of José Benítez Sánchez

Neuwy

Benítez Rentería

Legal Advisor

Son of José Benítez Sánchez

Fidencio

Benítez

Artist

Son of José Benítez Sánchez

Hilaria

Chávez Carrillo

Artist

Wife to José Benítez Sánchez

Diana

Negrín da Silva

Associate Director, Wixárika Research Center

Lecturer, University of California, Berkeley

Luciana

Benítez Rentería

Artist

Daughter of José Benítez Sánchez

Neuwy

Benítez Rentería

Legal Advisor

Son of José Benítez Sánchez

Fidencio

Benítez

Artist

Son of José Benítez Sánchez

Hilaria

Chávez Carrillo

Artist

Wife to José Benítez Sánchez

Diana

Negrín da Silva

Associate Director, Wixárika Research Center

Lecturer, University of California, Berkeley

Luciana

Benítez Rentería

Artist

Daughter of José Benítez Sánchez

Neuwy

Benítez Rentería

Legal Advisor

Son of José Benítez Sánchez

Fidencio

Benítez

Artist

Son of José Benítez Sánchez

Hilaria

Chávez Carrillo

Artist

Wife to José Benítez Sánchez

Diana

Negrín da Silva

Associate Director, Wixárika Research Center

Lecturer, University of California, Berkeley

Copyright © 2025 Fowler Museum.

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2025 Fowler Museum.

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2025 Fowler Museum.

All Rights Reserved.