Traitor, Survivor, Icon

This book provides a comprehensive visual exploration of La Malinche's complex legacy, examining her role as a cultural icon and symbol of empowerment across generations.

The book Traitor, Survivor, Icon offers a profound visual and cultural exploration of La Malinche, a figure who remains both revered and reviled in Mexican history. Known as a traitor by some and a mother of the nation by others, her legacy is complex and multifaceted. This publication presents her not merely as a symbol but as a vibrant individual who played a pivotal role in the early interactions between the Spanish and Indigenous peoples of Mexico. Through her skills as an interpreter and cultural translator, Malinche influenced crucial negotiations and conflicts that shaped the future of the Americas.

As the mother of Hernán Cortés’s firstborn son, Malinche's story intertwines with the birth of a modern Mexican identity. The book highlights her significance in various artistic and scholarly interpretations over the centuries, showcasing how her image has been appropriated by different communities to express their narratives. Traitor, Survivor, Icon emphasizes the relevance of Malinche's legacy in contemporary discussions about female empowerment, identity, and indigeneity, making it an essential read for those interested in cultural history.

Published in collaboration with the Denver Art Museum, this publication also coincides with an exhibition that explores Malinche's impact on both sides of the US-Mexico border. It illustrates her enduring symbol as a figure of resilience and complexity, reflecting the ongoing dialogues around national identity and cultural heritage in the Americas today.