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According to the group’s tradition, the word “mayo” means “people from the shore”. Mayos refer to themselves as yoremes, “the people that respects tradition”, and call white men yori, “the one who does not respect”. They also call “torocoyori”, “that who treasons, that who denies tradition” to Mayos who deny their roots and compromises.
The mayo region is located in the northern part of Sinaloa and southern Sonora. In Sinaloa, Mayo communities are located in the municipalities of El Fuerte, Choix, Guasave, Sinaloa de Leyva and Ahome. In Sonora, the municipalities they are located in are Alamos, Quiriego, Navojoa, Etchojoa and Huatabampo.
Mayos and Yaquis share their origin, language and history; they are sister cultures.
The Mayo language is a member of the tara-cahita variation, which in turn is part of the Yuto-Nahua family. The dominating language in the region is Spanish and most of Mayos are fluent in it. The Mayos, with a little difference in pronunciation speak the same language as the Yaquis.
Among the crafts they elaborate we can find: wool blankets, stick baskets, furniture, kitchen tools and wood masks. They also make belts, tehuas (sandals), purses, whips, key rings, saddles, benches and stools in leather, as well as any objects made of clay and many kinds of knits.
The Mayo vision of the world is influenced by both nature and Catholic faith. Nature’s influence can be seen in their rites and dances such as El Venado and El Pascola, and the way they sing to flowers, birds and deer. Faith’s influence is reflected in the veneration to the Holy Trinity, Saint Joseph, Saint Francis, among others.
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