Consistent among all acequias is the key role of the mayordomo. Mayordomos
historically have been the keepers of tradition and knowledge about
their stream source and their community. Through respect, diplomacy, and
a careful measure of authority, skilled mayordomos have kept acequias
flowing and fields irrigated for generations.
The mayordomo plays
an esteemed role in the acequia and has traditionally been a highly
revered community member. He or she displays a distinguished knowledge
of their acequia and its surrounding community. The mayordomo is the
“ditch boss” who works to ensure equitable water distribution, and makes
him/herself available to address issues that come up throughout the
growing season, as well as observing the activities of the surrounding
environment during the off-season, such as snowpack, beaver dams, ditch
repair and cleaning, etc.
From the watershed that nurtures the
course of the stream that eventually reaches the acequia diversion, to
the last parcel of land irrigated by the acequia, it’s often the
mayordomo’s mental map of his or her acequia’s intricacies that surpass
the community knowledge of most others on the acequia. which becomes
even more challenging during drought. Additionally, given the increase
in demand for water, our Acequias de La Puebla community has had to
adapt to minor changes in the way water is allocated during shortages,
making the duties of the mayordomo even more challenging.
In
2008, the New Mexico Acequia Association (NMAA) partnered with the
University of New Mexico to establish the Mayordomo Project. Through
this effort, the NMAA has established a mentorship program that fosters
the transmission of local knowledge to the next generation of
mayordomos. NMAA has developed educational materials including "The Art
of Mayordomía,"a short film. The Art of Mayordomia can be viewed in the
clip below. Note: Your browser needs flash to view the video. If you
have trouble try clicking this link,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PtUoR1Bo3U