Durango Two Missionary Routes: Alexandre Roger

In 1865, Alexandre Roger, a French Jesuit missionary, traveled through the Durango region of Mexico. He left behind two valuable accounts of his journeys, which provide a glimpse into the lives of the indigenous people and the challenges faced by missionaries in the region.

Durango: Two missionary routes

by Alexandre Roger

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1984 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	33 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Roger's first journey took him from the city of Durango to the town of Guanaceví. Along the way, he passed through a number of indigenous communities, including the Tepehuanes, the Huichols, and the Coras. He described the people he met as being friendly and welcoming, but also noted that they were living in poverty and isolation.

Roger's second journey took him from Guanaceví to the town of Santiago Papasquiaro. This journey was more difficult than the first, as the terrain was more rugged and the indigenous people were more resistant to Christianity. Nevertheless, Roger persevered and eventually reached his destination.

Roger's accounts of his journeys are a valuable source of information about the history of Durango and the Jesuit missions. They provide a glimpse into the lives of the indigenous people and the challenges faced by missionaries in the region. Roger's work is a reminder of the importance of cultural exchange and the role that missionaries played in shaping the history of the Americas.

Route 1: Durango to Guanaceví

Roger's first journey took him from the city of Durango to the town of Guanaceví. This journey was approximately 250 miles and took him through a variety of landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and forests. Along the way, he passed through a number of indigenous communities, including the Tepehuanes, the Huichols, and the Coras.

The Tepehuanes were a nomadic people who lived in the mountains of Durango. They were known for their fierce resistance to Spanish rule and their practice of human sacrifice. Roger described the Tepehuanes as being "tall and well-proportioned, with long black hair and brown skin." He also noted that they were "very poor and live in miserable huts."

The Huichols were a semi-nomadic people who lived in the mountains and forests of Durango. They were known for their colorful clothing and their elaborate religious ceremonies. Roger described the Huichols as being "a gentle and peaceful people" who were "very attached to their traditions."

The Coras were a sedentary people who lived in the valleys of Durango. They were known for their agriculture and their skilled craftsmanship. Roger described the Coras as being "a very industrious people" who were "very attached to their land."

Roger's journey from Durango to Guanaceví was a challenging one, but it also provided him with a unique opportunity to learn about the different indigenous cultures of the region. He was impressed by the resilience of the people he met and their deep connection to their land.

Route 2: Guanaceví to Santiago Papasquiaro

Roger's second journey took him from the town of Guanaceví to the town of Santiago Papasquiaro. This journey was approximately 150 miles and took him through a more rugged and mountainous terrain. Along the way, he passed through a number of indigenous communities, including the Tarahumaras, the Pimas, and the Yaquis.

The Tarahumaras were a nomadic people who lived in the mountains of Durango and Chihuahua. They were known for their long-distance running and their ability to survive in harsh conditions. Roger described the Tarahumaras as being "a very agile and hardy people" who were "very skilled at hunting and gathering."

The Pimas were a semi-nomadic people who lived in the mountains and deserts of Durango and Sonora. They were known for their agriculture and their skilled basketry. Roger described the Pimas as being "a very friendly and hospitable people" who were "very attached to their traditions."

The Yaquis were a sedentary people who lived in the valleys of Sonora and Sinaloa. They were known for their agriculture and their skilled craftsmanship. Roger described the Yaquis as being "a very industrious and independent people" who were "very proud of their culture."

Roger's journey from Guanaceví to Santiago Papasquiaro was a more difficult one than his first journey, but it also provided him with a unique opportunity to learn about the different indigenous cultures of the region. He was impressed by the resilience of the people he met and their deep connection to their land.

Alexandre Roger's two missionary routes through the Durango region of Mexico provide a valuable glimpse into the lives of the indigenous people and the challenges faced by missionaries in the region. His accounts are a reminder of the importance of cultural exchange and the role that missionaries played in shaping the history of the Americas.

Durango: Two missionary routes

by Alexandre Roger

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1984 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	33 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE