Wood Carving Fading Among Yucatán’s Youth

Wood carving, whether as a handicraft, a piece of art, or a representation of folk culture, is highly appreciated by tourists and foreigners visiting Yucatán. However, it seems to be losing its appeal among the younger generation, according to Eduardo Cámara Alonzo, a local wood carver.

"Wood crafts continue to exist because there is a market for them. However, for more intricate, artistic, and elaborate pieces, there are very few of us left. I notice a lack of sculptural presence in the state," says Alonzo, a seasoned artist with 35 years of experience and a proud native of Tekaxeño.

Alonzo, who began his career as a passenger transportation operator, was drawn to wood carving in a moment of divine inspiration. He still expresses surprise at his unexpected career change.

Alonzo was recently found hard at work on a table base named "The Reef", a project he has been tirelessly working on for a year, both day and night.

Using the root of a cedar tree as his canvas, Alonzo intricately carves various marine species around a fauna-rich shoreline. His design includes a variety of fish such as chac-chi, rubia, canané, red snapper, grouper, macabí, remora, and others. Additionally, he incorporates other sea creatures like turtles, snails, manta rays, dolphins, starfish, octopuses, and sea roaches, totaling 48 figures.

"The Reef" is a representation of the encounters one might have with marine life in a real reef, governed by a cedar tree root. Despite not having personal experience with this marine ecosystem, Alonzo brings it to life through his imagination, fueled by TV documentaries.

"This sculpture symbolizes the entire Mayan cosmogony, the story of the creation of the Universe, living beings, and Mayan culture. It’s carved from a pucté tree trunk. It's a…