Rosa Maqueda Vicente
Translated from Spanish by Carolina Bloem
Rosa Maqueda Vicente is a Hñähñu researcher and facilitator of community workshops. Co-founder of the cultural project Ya Mfeni. As a writer and poet she has received the Estatal Orquídea de Plata Award (2022), Internacional Péndola Dorada Award (2023 and 2022), and a runner up for the Certamen Internacional 500 años de México Tenochtitlan (2021). She has published poetry, essays, narrative, and articles on cultural awareness. Part of her work has been translated to Dutch, English, German, French, and Italian. Her published works are part of various national and international anthologies.
Poet’s statement
I was born in the Hñähñu territory of the Alto Mezquital (Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo) in Central
Mexico. For the Hñähñu people, zi dehe / water is an indispensable element. Permission is
needed when it is used for nourishment. This vital liquid accompanies us from birth to death.
The connections that zi dehe weaves are those of the community, it is honored with flowers
and songs. Water is scarce in the Alto Valle, however, there are water wells, and these are
safeguarded by the community.
Poet’s statement
I was born in the Hñähñu territory of the Alto Mezquital (Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo) in Central Mexico. For the Hñähñu people, zi dehe / water is an indispensable element. Permission is needed when it is used for nourishment. This vital liquid accompanies us from birth to death. The connections that zi dehe weaves are those of the community, it is honored with flowers and songs. Water is scarce in the Alto Valle, however, there are water wells, and these are safeguarded by the community.
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