Purépecha petroglyphs

Michoacán México is home to the Purepecha civilization. This photo was made at Yácatas, the pyramids near Tzintzuntzan. The pyramids had been pretty heavily raided by the Spanish during the conquest, but the indigenous folks found ways to preserve their culture despite the best efforts of the conquistadors.

Forced to build a church with materials from the partially disassembled pyramids, local stonemasons embedded the petroglyphs in the appropriate places to honor their deities and spirits.

Looking toward the hills east of the pyramids.

Between two of the five pyramids looking west toward Lake Pátzcuaro.

Pyramids during fall wildflower season.

View of Lake Pátzcuaro from the pyramids in the spring when the jacarandas were blooming.

Yácatas

Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán México

Spring 2018 and Fall 2019