Pictures from the Porfiriato

Presented in chronological order, these images provide a visual representations of the Porfiriato up until its dismantling in 1911. These photographs are more than simple windows into a moment in history, rather each figure represents an important aspect of Mexican identity building. Taken collectively, they demonstrate the complex social networks which operated throughout the Porfiriato. This grouping also demonstrates how historical actors from across social classes were shaped by the establishment of modernity during the Porfiriato. Carlie’s photos demonstrate the contrast of working class citizens to the monument of the Cathedral, pictured on the literal back of the carboneros. Rachel’s postcards show middle class women from the Zapoteca region, they are symbols of women’s independence and modernity. Cesar’s represents the elite class and is a photograph that shows the culmination of the centralization of power in Mexico. Americo’s focuses on the rural population, in their effort to reclaim their lands and gain a sense of equality amongst the working classes. The political struggle represented within these photographs include peasant farmers rights, women’s rights, forced identity formation through government reforms, and ultimately an uprising of anti-establishment and agrarian reformers. This medium of historic preservation allows these struggles to be remembered in alternative ways which are often lost or misinterpreted in history books.

Contributors:

Carlie Sorrells,Rachel Tombs, Cesar Gonzalez, Americo J. Cespedes


The Carboneros and Mexico City's Cathedral

This pair of photos provide a glimpse into the lifestyle of rural Mexican citizens during the Porfiriato period in the late 19th century. In contrast to the monument of the Cathedral in the city of Mexico, photographer Abel Briquet highlights tipos Mexicanos known as Carboneros, merchants who carry tremendous weight on their back, both literally and metaphorically. The impressive structure of the cathedral, intentionally placed on the backside of the Carboneros photo, demonstrates the weight of nationalism on their backs. The difference in infrastructure development is prevalent in both photos, calling attention to the grandeur of the Cathedral. Built upon the ruins of templo mayor in the former capital city, Tenochtitlan, the structure highlights the importance of faith and worship to the citizens of Mexico represented by the Carboneros.

Portraits of “Mujeres de Tehuantepec” from Genero García’s Postcard Collection c.1910.

Women of the Tehuantepec were known for their independence, financial authority and careful attention to their appearance. The women in these images provide a visual contradiction to European preconceptions of Mexico as a primitive nation. This contradiction is demonstrated through their fashion, and in the establishment of a matriarchy. The presence of these women in Genero García’s collection indicates their significance in exemplifying Mexican modernity.

Porfirio Diaz lays reefs for Los Niños Héroes 1910

These photographs depict the Centennial Celebration of Mexican Independence held in Mexico City by President Porfirio Diaz. This set is from a larger collection of images that serve as a visual representation of the Porfirato just a year before its dismantling in 1911. They are more than simply windows into a moment of Mexican History. Instead they represent two important elements that had a significant impact on the modernity and identity building that took place in Mexico. Porfirio Diaz who is at the center of both images, was instrumental in improvements made to public safety, public health, railways, and foreign investments.

This specific ceremony, commemorating Los Niños Héroes (The Heroic Children), was one of many that took place on the 100 year anniversary of Mexican Independence. Los Niños Héroes were cadets who formed part of the last stronghold at Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City, 63 years before, when it fell into U.S. forces’ hands in the Mexican American War. The Porfiriato aimed to use the memory of this heroic event as a means to further develop Mexican identity. This demonstration of pride and honor, by the cadets, was the unadulterated Mexicanidad that the Porfiriato believed all Mexican citizens should aim to follow.

The Caudillo of Morelos

This photograph depicts “El Caudillo de Morelos”, Emiliano Zapata, as he entered the city of Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico in 1911. Zapata was leading the parade in honor of Francisco Madero. As such this photograph captures a short-lived moment. Zapata would later on turn against Madero for not fulfilling his promises for agrarian reform. Like his slogan, “Land and Liberty”, Zapata fought for the rights of campesinos and for their right to work and live off the land. He would not stop till he saw these promises be fulfilled.