Geography of memory. The roads of the arriería in San Pedro Chapulhuacán, Hidalgo (1950)

Abstract

This ethnohistorical research focuses on the arriería in San Pedro Chapulhuacán, Huasteca hidalguense, from an ethnographic perspective to understand social, economic and geographical processes. Historical ethnography allows us to explore economic aspects of the arriería, such as commercial routes and transactions, using oral sources to capture local memories and experiences. San Pedro Chapulhuacán, located in the north of the state of Hidalgo, has a rich history and geography that influences its social and economic dynamics. In pre-Hispanic times, the town was inhabited by Chichimecas, Otomíes and Nahuas, and after the conquest, it went through several changes in its administration and name. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, it experienced agrarian movements and revolution, impacting its social and economic structure. The semi-warm climate and the abundant vegetation of the municipality make it favorable for diverse agricultural and commercial activities. Muleteers, such as Don Vicente Ángeles Amador, played a crucial role in itinerant trade, transporting agricultural products through mountainous routes with pack animals. Don Vicente, born in 1929, began muleteering at the age of eight and continued until the 1990s, adapting to changes such as the use of cargo trucks. Commercial transactions in San Pedro Chapulhuacán included barter, "al tiempo" sales and other forms of exchange. Trust and word of mouth were fundamental to these arrangements. Local trade involved not only the distribution of products, but also the creation of social and cultural networks. The research highlights the importance of arriería in the economy and social life of the village, reflecting how commercial practices have evolved over time, influenced by geographical, historical and cultural factors