HERNANDEZ (Fortunato). - Lot 126

HERNANDEZ (Fortunato). Las Razas Indigenas de Sonora y la guerra de Yanki. Mexico City: Tallares de la casa editorial J. de Elizalde, 1902. - In-4, tan calf, triple fillet and angular cold fleurons framing the boards, titles in gilt lettering and gilt plaque depicting an archer on the first board, decorative cold iron in the center of the second board, ornate spine with false nerves, gilt roulette framing the inside, beige brocaded silk lining and endpapers, gilt and chased head (publisher's binding). First edition. In this major work, Fortunato Hernández explores the tribes of Sonora in northwestern Mexico through an anthropological, historical and social approach. He describes the Seris (a proud and warlike people, adapted to a hostile environment, with strict customs (elimination of the weak, single language)), the Opatas (peaceful and hard-working, but capable of rebellion (as in 1820, when 500 of them repelled 1,500 soldiers)), the Yaquis and Mayos (organized agricultural cultures, threatened by colonization), as well as the Pimas and Papagos (structured societies, with well-established towns and traditions). The author also analyzes the Yaquis War, a little-known conflict marked by acts of heroism and resistance. He portrays figures such as Cajeme and Tetabiate, while highlighting the role of General Porfirio Díaz in pacifying the region. The book includes previously unpublished vocabularies (Seri and Cahita languages) and a study of beliefs (zootheism, rituals). In this book, Fortunato Hernández breaks through the clichés that have too often silenced or stereotyped the indigenous peoples of Sonora, restoring to them an identity and a voice. He brings back to life stories that have been erased, shedding light on ignored cultures and offering an essential testimony that is both a tribute to and a plea for these communities. The edition is illustrated with a photographic portrait of the author, 3 maps, numerous figures in the text and 43 plates, mainly reproductions of photographs, including 4 in color. A fine copy in the publisher's binding, decorated on the front cover with a plate depicting a "Serious Archer", found on the plate opposite page 56. EXEMPLAIRE OFFERED TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC ÉMILE LOUBET, enriched with this autograph dispatch signed by the author: "Al Sr. Emilio Loubet, Presidente de la Republica francesa: Homenaje à su talento. El autor. Paris Febrero 7 de 1903." Used rubbing to binding, spine slightly faded.