"Blossoms of Fire": Introducing Another Matriarchal Society, the Isthmus Zapotecs of Oaxaca, Mexico

Woman in matriarchal Zapoteca Mexico OaxacaIn researching Hispanic Heritage Month just now, I came upon a film “Blossoms of Fire,” a documentary about a society in Mexico, a largely female-dominated society where women have much more authority and are “in charge” of the men.

It’s my personal belief — and the focus on my studies at New York University — that societies were originall much more matriarchal. My personal focus was 5th century BC Greece, a time when women’s lives were changing significantly and societies were moving in a patriarchal direction but women’s influence remained strong. 

Around the world we have socio-cultural pockets of societies that remain to this day what we call “matriarchal”. The Isthmus Zapotecs of southern Oaxaca, Mexico are such a female-dominated society.

Please do not be offended that the sexual mores of the Isthmus Zapotecs are more fluid than those endorsed by certain contemporary religions. Bisexuality is permitted — mentioned here in the movie trailer for “Blossoms of Fire” but not offensive in any way in the movie. (click to view on YouTube)

“Blossoms of Fire” documentary. Embedding DisabledThe Isthmus Zapotecs of southern Oaxaca, Mexico are the second matriarchal society we’ve examined here at A of C.

Karaoke bar workers watch TV during the afternoon, Luoshi via Flickr’s Sara GouvelaPreviously, I wrote about the Mosuo Matriarchy: The Mosuo Matriarchy as Experienced by Ricardo Coler & Sara Gouveia. (Visit Sara’s website in this article.) It’s my belief that in martriarchal societies, female sexuality was not controlled by men.

Even today, men do not control women’s sexuality in either Oaxaca, Mexico or Luoshui, China. The region of  Luoshui, China is called “The Land of the Women”. How incredibly gorgeous it is! Anne

Luoshui, China: The Land of the Women

Luoshui, China “The Land of the Women”