A Vital Matters Theme: Language, Memory, and Iconography

Language, Memory, and Iconography

Spoken, written, and visual systems of communication carry deep cultural meanings. This theme explores how language, imagery, and representational forms preserve memory, transmit knowledge, and shape collective identity. Perspectives may consider poetry, calligraphy, oral traditions, inscriptions, emblems, and other expressive modes that encode history, belief, and belonging.

123 PERSPECTIVES
6 ARTWORKS

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Untitled

José Benítez Sánchez

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Guatama's Pilgrimage to Ashtapada

Unidentified artist(s)

Chod pata of Guatama's Pilgrimage to Ashtapada

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Image of male and female bululs

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Untitled

José Benítez Sánchez

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Guatama's Pilgrimage to Ashtapada

Unidentified artist(s)

Chod pata of Guatama's Pilgrimage to Ashtapada

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34 PEOPLE
Stephen Acabado headshot

Stephen

Acabado

Professor, Department of Anthropology at University of California, Los Angeles

Ingrid

Arriaga

Anthropologist and Researcher

Cultural Institute of Mexico in France

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

Helen

Burgos-Ellis

Art Historian and Lecturer

César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o and Central American Studies, University of California, Los Angeles

Stephen Acabado headshot

Stephen

Acabado

Professor, Department of Anthropology at University of California, Los Angeles

Ingrid

Arriaga

Anthropologist and Researcher

Cultural Institute of Mexico in France

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

Helen

Burgos-Ellis

Art Historian and Lecturer

César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o and Central American Studies, University of California, Los Angeles

Stephen Acabado headshot

Stephen

Acabado

Professor, Department of Anthropology at University of California, Los Angeles

Ingrid

Arriaga

Anthropologist and Researcher

Cultural Institute of Mexico in France

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

Helen

Burgos-Ellis

Art Historian and Lecturer

César E. Chávez Department of Chicana/o and Central American Studies, University of California, Los Angeles

Copyright © 2025 Fowler Museum.

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2025 Fowler Museum.

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2025 Fowler Museum.

All Rights Reserved.