Snakes Meet Water: Interpretation Across Elements

Cyndy García Weyandt discusses the presence of water snakes in Wixárika symbolism, noting their connection to the Pacific Ocean and waterways. In the work of José Benítez Sánchez, these snakes are depicted moving in and out of blue regions representing water. Considered beings that inhabit both water and land, they symbolize ancestral spirits linked to rivers and oceans. Though rarely depicted, these water snakes reflect the community’s understanding of life within aquatic spaces and the spiritual connections between animals, water, and sacred geographies.

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  • Cindy Weyandt outside, wearing a beige wool coat and red scarf

    Cyndy

    García-Weyandt

    Assistant Professor

    Department of Critical Ethnic Studies, Kalamazoo College