The formation of the volcano was observed both by volcanologists and by the natives of the Purépecha tribe.
The Purépecha are an indigenous people living mainly in the northwestern region of Michoacán, Mexico. The other name, Tarascan, is considered offensive by the Purépecha and was coined by people outside the tribe.
They are descendants of the Purépecha Empire, which existed north of the Aztec Empire since the 14th century and blocked its expansion northward. The Purépecha Empire, also called Iréchikwa, lost its independence to Spain in 1530.
