The Persistence of Nahua Culture

“The Nopal plant that is grown in America and produces seed,” in Reports on the history, organization, and status of various Catholic dioceses of New Spain and Peru, 1620-1649

This compilation of reports regarding New Spain and Peru includes a description of the cultivation and preparation of cochineal. Here, two indigenous people harvest the cochineal insects from the paddles of a huge nopal cactus, scraping them into special bowls. Both wear clothing with crimson stripes and accents. The woman is dressed in an indigenous tunic (huipil) and kneels in traditional fashion.

Newberry Library: Vault Ayer MS 1106 D8 Box 1 Folder 15

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