1. The tarahumaras
The Rarámuri or Tarahumara are Native American
people of the north western Mexico. They are known
for their long-distance running ability. In their language,
the term Rarámuri refers specifically to the males,
females are referred to as Mukí and as Omugí or
Igómale (collectively).
Originally inhabitants of much of the state of Chihuahua
, the Rarámuri retreated to the high sierras and canyons
such as the Copper Canyon in the
Sierra Madre Occidental on the arrival of Spanish
explorers in the sixteenth century. The area of the
Sierra Madre Occidental which they now inhabit is often
called the Sierra Tarahumara because of their presence.
Current estimates put the population of the Rarámuri in
2006 at between 50,000 and 70,000 people. Most still
practice a traditional lifestyle, inhabiting natural
shelters such as caves or cliff overhangs, as well as small
cabins of wood or stone. Staple crops are corn and
beans; however, many of the Rarámuri still practice
transhumance, raising cattle, sheep, and goats. Almost
all Rarámuri migrate in some form or another in the
course of the year.
The Tarahumara language belongs to the Uto-Aztecan
family. Although it is in decline under pressure from
Spanish, it is still widely spoken.