Photographs by Rafael Doníz

Santo Domingo Cultural Center
Oaxaca, México
march 30 t0 april 15 2012

In August of two thousand ten, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee was pleased to include the site Cuevas Prehistóricas de Yagul y Mitla in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico in the World Heritage List, thus recognizing the set of cultural and natural values of this cultural landscape and its close relationship with the human groups of hunter-gatherers that inhabited this region.

Studies carried out in the area since the 1970s confirm evidence of the origin of societies organized through the development of an emergent agricultural activity. This area also has the presence of important archaeological remains of Zapotec culture, as well as the establishment of Hispanic architecture.

Nearly two years after this recognition, the National Institute of Anthropology and History welcomes the presentation of the photographic exhibition Cuevas de Yagul y Mitla: The eternal cultural landscape on the premises of the Santo Domingo Cultural Center in the city of Oaxaca. This exhibition brings together a magnificent selection of photographs of the authorship of Rafael Doníz, a tireless Mexican photographer of recognized trajectory, who was caught up in the beauty of the places and caves near Yagul.

Architecture and nature, landscapes and microcosm, colors, shapes and whimsical textures have been recorded by Doníz in the composition of the photographs that conform this exhibition. Through the alchemy of its light box we will be able to explore, know and appreciate some of the many secrets that are jealously guarded in this heritage site of Mexico.

Oaxaca, Mexico, March 2012

Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca

Instuto Nacional de Antropología e Historia