South of the border between México and Texas, there lives a people who are descended from West Africans and Seminole Indians. Their culture is a unique blend of traditions from their ancestors, a blend that's been blooming in the shade of trees in Coahuila. The women of the tribe protect and perpetuate this blending of culture through traditions of song and food that honor the different parts of their identity and the unique combination of community they create.
Safeguarding a Culture
The culture of Los Negros Mascogos is a blend of many into one and its oldest traditions are safeguarded and passed down by the elder women of the tribe.
Two aspects of their culture most clearly demonstrate the melding of the distinct identities of their ancestors. One is a tradition of song called the capeyuye which honors West African ancestors as well as those who survived and escaped slavery. Another tradition is that of the culinary preparation which honors Seminole as well as survivor traditions in a fusion alongside the Norther Mexican cuisine of their found home.