The Whisper of Maize by Florence Goupil

The effort to conserve more than 54 varieties of corn in Peru and 65 varieties in Mexico has endured for more than 7,500 years. The Indigenous Quechua, Wari, Nahua, Otomi and Wanka tend the land with unique traditions, fiercely protecting their corn seeds as a vital link to their spirit. Each variety, which differs in species, size, colour and shape, carries its own story, endowed with personal meaning and purpose. Corn is not only a staple food, but also a precious element in pre-Columbian rites that endure today; an element that is offered to the Earth or used in healing ceremonies. ‘We plant the seeds with the power of the song,’ shares Magdalena, an elder from the Andes. These indigenous communities unveil unique and innovative solutions in response to climate change and the devastating impact of severe droughts. Their tender gestures, songs and poems become a conduit for communicating with nature and healing the Earth.