Unveiling Mexico’s Mayan Embroidery Legacy

In an effort to boost tourism and reemphasize its cultural significance, Mayan embroidery is being promoted as part of the textile heritage in the Mexican Caribbean. UNESCO, the Ministry of Economic Development of Quintana Roo (SEDE), and the Institute of Culture and Arts of Quintana Roo (ICA) have signed an agreement to increase the visibility of this traditional textile art. The agreement also emphasizes the importance of protecting textile cultural heritage and acknowledges the role of indigenous women in preserving and passing on these traditions.

The agreement was announced at the Convention Center in Chetumal, where the Project for Economic and Social Development with a Gender Perspective was introduced. Led by UNESCO in Mexico, the project aims to support collectives, cooperatives, and family businesses, establish an inter-sectoral committee for Mayan embroidery, and create an inventory of Quintanarroense textile art. The project also includes a plan for safeguarding these traditions, training for positive masculinities, official recognition of skills, certification, and institutionalizing a model to strengthen crafts, living heritage, and gender equality.

The initiative aims to bolster the economy of women artisans and promote gender equality. As part of this, a State Council of Women Embroiderers is proposed. The announcement was made during the State Meeting of Craftsmen and Craftswomen, which was part of the Caribbean Culture Festival, led by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa.

Governor Lezama Espinosa expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating that it will bring greater visibility to the state's textile art and the work of its embroiderers. She encouraged visitors to explore Mayan communities, learn about the manufacturing process, and purchase these textile treasures.

The Governor also highlighted that her government has promoted projects that strengthen cultural roots, including managing sales points in Tulum, Holbox, and Chetumal, and providing training and supply packages for artisans. Over 215 master craftswomen have been technically trained, with 500 participants from over 30 communities.

During the event, the book "Quintanarroense Textile Art. Mayan Iconographic Catalogue" was distributed to the craftswomen. The book is the result of over 20 years of research in various Mayan communities and aims to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and practices. The research was conducted by Arturo Gómez Martínez, the deputy director of ethnography at the National Museum of Anthropology – INAH.