A Vital Matters Perspective: Corn in Many Forms: Multiplicity in Representation
Corn in Many Forms: Multiplicity in Representation
Minerva Carillo de la Cruz speaks to the deep spiritual and cultural significance of corn within her community, describing it as more than sustenance—it's a sacred being, a compass of ancestral knowledge, and a source of identity. Through food, art, and symbolism—like earrings, paintings, and even the restaurant's logo—corn is venerated and shared with others as a way of honoring tradition. Artists across mediums portray corn in many forms, often as a feminine figure that must be cared for and protected. Carillo emphasizes that for her people, corn is vital and irreplaceable: it exists in many colors and carries profound stories, and its loss would mean the disappearance of an entire way of life. The reverence for corn, expressed through both culinary and creative expression, is a testament to its central role in Indigenous culture and continuity.

