primordial resources ~ cosmology

The Tlacuache (Opossum), Protector and Guardian of Humankind
~ Verónica Iglesias

The work of Verónica Iglesias includes the Indigenous Knowledge (IK)  of the Tlacuache (Opossum), a member of the pantheon of deities in both Mayan and Aztec cosmology, and the protector and guardian of humankind. The Opossums in the ecosystems of the Americas are renowned for their ability to "play dead" when threatened, enter hibernation for periods of time, as well as their ferocity with battling venomous snakes, as they are immune to the poison. There are many stories in modern-day Mesoamerica about the Tlacuache killing rattlesnakes to protect babies, children, and humans in general. They are also miraculous as mothers, having up to 18 babies at one time, snuggled safely in their marsupial pouch. Marsupials today are the ancestors of proto mammals from 180 million years ago - that fact alone is worthy of our honor and respect.

In the origin stories of the Aztec and Maya, the Tlacuache brought fire for the first time to the humans from the underworld, and therefore it is taboo to eat the meat of the Tlacuache. It was the Grandfather Tlacuache who was the chief of the deities, and in other stories, was the chief of the Elders. Like the wee muskrat in Anishnaabe cosmology who was the only creature able to bring earth up from the ocean floor to create Turtle Island once again, the smallest animals are not to be discounted as humanity's most important mentors, leaders, and beloved companions.

“The Tlacuache (Opossum), a Protector and Guardian of Humankind“ with Verónica Iglesias
Scholar Salon, ASWM (The Association for the Study of Women and Mythology)

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