Ismael Sanchez Holding A Molcajete

Ismael Sanchez holds a symbolic piece of Mexican culture that stretches back thousands of years to Mesoamerican times. Since the time of the Maya and Aztec, people living in Mesoamerica have used a molcajete to grind spices, grains and other food products. In this photo, the weight of this volcanic basalt molcajete causes the veins in Ismael Sanchez's arms to pop. One day while taking photographs in Ajijic, Mexico, I met Ismael on Emiliano Zapata Street and, after a brief conversation, he invited me over to take photographs of his home. In Mexico, mi casa es su casa is more than just an expression.