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La Velación is an ethnographic research project I photographed while in the outskirts of Hermosillo, Sonora, México. It takes place at a cattle ranch. I spent the day documenting a family gathering filled with rituals that included prayer, eating, and the sacrificing of a cow. I decided to do research on this family’s rituals because it was something that I was not familiar with; although, I am Mexican and practice in many traditional Mexican rituals this was something new to me.
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An ancestor's portrait hangs above the fireplace as horse tack reflects from a nearby wall.
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Grandchildren play soccer as the adults prepare the meal for lunch and breakfast for the following morning.
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Two children keep a horse company while they wait for lunch.
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Cattle meat hangs in the open air as Mr. Moreno leans against a pole.
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The cowhide of the sacrificed cow is tacked down in the family cemetery.
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A closer look of the cowhide.
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Mr. Moreno's granddaughter ties a knot on the cemetery gate to keep animals out.
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The ranch's dogs eat leftover cattle meat.
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A couple of young men practice lassoing by trapping one another's legs.
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Family members relax in the yard while they wait for the carne asada to be ready.
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Mr. Moreno hammers wooden tacks into the cow's head.
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The cow's blood is poured into a pot filled with meat and diced vegetables for one of the dishes being prepared.
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A view of Mr. Moreno's land at sunset from atop a hill.
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A slow cooked meat is placed underground and kept there until morning.
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Two men hold a wire as another prepares to place a tin sheet above the hole.
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All women present begin their vigil and prayers at sundown.
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Women continue praying the rosary and other prayers as children wind down by playing video games.
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A framed, vintage deer painting adorns the wall of a spare bedroom in Mr. Moreno's ranch home.
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Blood splatters on the ground from the cow's remains.
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A young cowboy tips his hat as others play in the yard.
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Mr. Moreno's grandson eats chips while visiting his uncle's grave in the family cemetery.
