“Estas piedras cantan” fanzine, was the result of the Xylography Workshop held in the community of Villa Sandino, Chontales, Nicaragua. The workshop participants made engravings inspired by the petroglyphs found at the “Piedras Pintadas” Archaeological Park located at the center of their town.

The participants reflected on the political-affective impact of the origin of their name as Chontaleños coming from the Nahuatl ‘Chontalli’ —with its root ‘chontal’ meaning “strange, foreign, out of place”— on their personal stories. The technique of engraving and poetic narrative were the instruments that helped the participants to redefine the idea of being Chontal as an exercise of community belonging and not as an insult. This collective effort intends to revive the intrinsic connection with their ancestry and explore the meanings of a Chontal worldview rooted in their memories, history and territory.

“Estas piedras cantan” will be presented and shared with the community of Villa Sandino (Chontales). The intention is to awaken the curiosity and pride of its community for their Chontal identity anchored in a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage facing colonial mestizo imposed narratives. The fanzine contains provocative questions and poetry written by the artist, Elyla who grew up in this community.