A Vital Matters Perspective: Corn and Its Primordial Significance

Corn and Its Primordial Significance

Minerva Carillo de la Cruz explains that Yuri ‘Ikú was born as a cultural project to share and honor Indigenous identity, rooted deeply in the spiritual and material importance of corn. In both Wixárika and Na’ayeri traditions, corn is not only food—it is a sacred presence essential to ritual, body, and spirit. Yuri ‘Ikú, blending languages and cultures, reflects this primordial connection. Ceremonial feasts grounded in corn are central to life and must be preserved because they express gratitude, reinforce community, and sustain tradition. At Yuri ‘Ikú, this spirit of reciprocity and reverence is extended to everyone: visitors are welcomed with hospitality, offerings like tesgüino (fermented corn drink), and the invitation to share in Indigenous culture with respect and care. For Carillo, sharing corn is sharing essence—it’s not about commerce, but about dignity, identity, and the blessings that come with giving.

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1 ARTWORK

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José Benítez Sánchez

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José Benítez Sánchez

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José Benítez Sánchez

p008

p009

p010

p011

p012

p013

p014

p015

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p017

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1 PERSON

Minerva

Carrillo de la Cruz

Director of Indigenous Affairs

City of Tepic, Nayarit

Minerva

Carrillo de la Cruz

Director of Indigenous Affairs

City of Tepic, Nayarit

Minerva

Carrillo de la Cruz

Director of Indigenous Affairs

City of Tepic, Nayarit

Copyright © 2025 Fowler Museum.

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2025 Fowler Museum.

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2025 Fowler Museum.

All Rights Reserved.