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Period: 8000 BCE to 5000 BCE
Origin
The tamale is believed to have originated in Mesoamerica during this period, as a simple method of cooking corn. It may have been brought from Mexico to Central and South America. Tamales de frijole trace their roots to the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Otomi people. Maize cultivation and bean agriculture become integral components of Otomi subsistence, laying the foundation for the dish (Bousel, 2018). -
Period: 3500 BCE to 1000
Pre-Columbian Era
Tamales, crucial for Aztec, Mayans, Olmecs, etc., served as portable sustenance during hunting, travel, and warfare. Women's pivotal role in preparation reflected cultural significance. Sacred tamales were offerings to gods, each region crafting unique versions for specific deities. Otomi resilience emerged through distinct culinary traditions, melding masa and beans symbiotically. Tamales de frijole symbolized communal unity and resilience against challenges, fostering bonds in Otomi rituals. -
100
Tamales in Petén, Guatemala
Archaeologists find pictorial references to tamales in the Mural of San Bartolo, Petén, Guatemala, dating back to the year 100 AD -
Period: 1521 to
Cultural Resistance (Colonial)
Otomi communities use tamales de frijole as a form of cultural resistance, preserving their identity through the continuation of ancestral culinary practices. The dish becomes a symbol of resilience against cultural assimilation and serves as a reminder of the community's enduring heritage. -
1554
Popul Vuh Creation Story
The creation story in the Popul Vuh, an important collection of Mayan mythology, associates the first humans with corn, emphasizing the sacred nature of maize. This story book was created in response to Spanish conversion efforts to turn Mayans into Christians and to destroy anything pagan. In fact, many Maya believe simply reading sacred texts, like the Popol Vuh, and accounts of the gods summon their ancestors' hearts or spirits. -
Period: to
Post-Spanish Conquest
With the spread of Catholicism, tamales' religious functions were incorporated into Pagan and Christian festivals like Christmas. The religious significance of tamales continued in the context of new cultural influences. Despite the introduction of new ingredients by European colonizers, the Otomi people maintain the core elements of their traditional tamales. Banana leaves, brought by the Spanish, replace traditional materials for wrapping, adapting the dish to available resources. -
Period: to
Modern Day
Tamales de frijole showcase Otomi cuisine's resilience, adapting to modern life while preserving tradition. Efforts to share recipes secure cultural heritage for posterity. Their worldwide spread signifies enduring popularity and evolution. Diverse styles reflect culinary diversity influenced by regional distinctions. From ancient burial cooking to modern steaming, methods reflect a dynamic culinary history shaped by tradition and adaptation.