My object is a comal, also known as a cast-iron skillet. Over the years, the skillet was passed down through generations, eventually ending up with my great-great-grandma, and then being passed down to my dad. Our comal was originally handcrafted in Mexico and has since been brought to America by my Hispanic ancestors long ago. The cast iron skillet has roots dating all the way back to the Iron Age. Over thousands of years, as cast irons traveled the world and into America, they were passed from culture to culture. The Mexican heritage was brought over with these immigrants, and along with it, the art of the comal. My ancestors on my dad/Nana’s side were immigrants from Mexico who traveled over to America to start fresh lives. With them, our comal was brought along. My Nana says that my great-great-grandmother is the farthest person down the line that she can remember to have passed the comal. My Nana continued to carry on the tradition, and she handed the comal down to my dad, hoping that he would feel the importance of our family’s object. My family finds love and importance in cooking. When we cook with the comal at home, it reminds me of the bond that we all have together. I have yet to perfect the art of the comal, but I’m excited for the future because I know it will bring me and my family closer together through our diverse culture.

– McKenzie Lopez

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more