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3 generations of temazcalli specialists! |
This temazcal(li) is still widely used in rural central and southern Mexico. The fireplace is outside the steam-bath itself, sharing a common wall with it. The heat of a fierce wooden fire eventually makes the bath wall glow.
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Bundles of long grasses |
The bather then creeps through the low, narrow entrance (made small to keep the heat in) into the bath area - enough room for two to sit comfortably. By throwing water onto the glowing wall the room fills with steam: the bath attendant (a woman) then “switches” (thwacks) the naked bather with bundles of long grasses.
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Graciela outside a temazcalli |
The steam bath was used for three things: to clean, to “purify” (the soul) and sometimes to cure certain diseases. (Ian remembers greatly enjoying one as a volunteer on a Quaker summer workcamp in the Náhuatl-speaking village of San Isidro Buensuceso, between Puebla and Tlaxcala, in 1971!)
(Codex image from the Codex Magliabecchiano)
Photos by Ian Mursell/Mexicolore