The lineage of Manco Paz and the family's affective memory

The author delves into the intricate world of family history and genealogy, driven by a lifelong fascination with ancestral roots and the desire to reconstruct their family's narrative. This pursuit has culminated in the book "El linaje del Manco. Genealogía de José María Paz."

“

I am convinced that in those lives, in their decisions, in their successes and in their errors, lie the roots that, in one way or another, mark our present.

Genealogy, for the author, is more than just tracing names and dates; it's a vital tool for reclaiming collective memory, uncovering hidden connections, and fostering a profound sense of belonging within a shared historical tapestry. The process bridges generational divides, imbuing family stories, oral traditions, and the wisdom of elders with invaluable significance.

“

Genealogy, for me, is a way of recovering family memory, discovering unknown links, recognizing relatives whose existence we ignored, and strengthening the sense of belonging to a community of people united by a shared history.

The book centers on José María Paz, a military figure and writer who governed Córdoba, positioning him as an exemplary figure for the family. Through his story and those of other family members, the author aims to illuminate character traits, customs, and revealing episodes from the past. The narrative also seeks to preserve bygone daily life practices, such as the now-rare custom of young people organizing house parties for dancing.

“

The genealogical journey also allows us to build a bridge between generations.

One anecdote recounts how Celso Mazzitelli, a medical student, met Alicia Rebollo Paz at such a gathering, leading to their marriage and the subsequent generations of their family. Another story features María Rosa Rebollo Paz, José María Paz's granddaughter, whose indignant reaction to her roommate's extramarital son led to a physical altercation. This incident, though dramatic, serves to starkly illustrate the vast difference between the social values of that era, which strongly condemned out-of-wedlock births, and contemporary norms. The author emphasizes that family history is built not only on official records but also on memories, narratives, and traditions.

“

I chose to place José María Paz at the center of this work, a military man, a writer, who governed Córdoba and was, and continues to be, an exemplary figure for the entire family.