Zeferina Barreto and Her Family (1969–1970)

Abstract

In comparison with others in Hueyapan, Zeferina Barreto’s family lives reasonably well, in a comfortable house just off the square, near the center of town. They do not, however, rank among the wealthier members of the community. Like other homes near the plaza, Doña Zeferina’s house conforms to a familiar Spanish architectural design, carefully conceived to maximize privacy (figure 1). On the south side, facing Calle Morelos, an adobe (mud) brick wall, plastered over and painted light blue, extends the full length of the property, closing out the street entirely. This imposing barricade also serves as the exterior wall of the two main bedrooms. To separate the compound from the properties of their next door neighbors, the family also built walls on the east and west sides. Protected in this way, it is possible to spend much of the day out of doors in the courtyard, feeding chickens, washing dishes, or just sitting in the shade of a tree, securely out of view of the busybodies in town. Visitors announce themselves by knocking on one of the bedroom windows or against the big wooden gate, located on the east end of the south wall.¹