Afro-Mexican studies: A historiographical and anthropological review

María Camila Díaz Casas
Escuela Nacional de Antropología e Historia, México
mariacamiladc@gmail.com

María Elisa Velázquez
Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, México
maelisavelazquez@gmail.com

Abstract:

This paper reviews historical and anthropological research done on Afrodescendant population in Mexico, from Gonzalo Aguirre Beltrán’s pioneering works in 1946 and 1958 up to 2015. The first part analyses the incidence of national and international contexts in scholarly production. The second one is devoted to the diversity and complexity of the experiences undergone by Afrodescendant people in Mexico, from the viceregal period up to our days. This exam is based on a critical balance of topics, approaches, and methodologies applied for over 70 years of “Afro-Mexican studies” track record. Finally, topics and methodologies overlooked are identified, while putting forward new research routes for future work.

Keywords: afrodescendant population in Mexico, historiography, anthropological studies, Gonzalo Aguirre Beltrán.