Maya Artisans Shape New Quintana Roo Craft Law

Quintana Roo, Mexico — State legislators and government officials are conducting informational assemblies in Maya communities to strengthen the proposed Artisan Law of Quintana Roo, aiming to create a lasting legal framework that promotes, protects, and dignifies local craftsmanship.

Open Dialogue with Artisan Communities

Deputies Majo Osorio and Tepy Gutiérrez have led the outreach efforts, visiting towns such as Xyatil, Xpichil, and Filomeno Mata in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, as well as Francisco Uh May, Macario Gómez, and Chanchen Primero in Tulum. These meetings provide a platform for artisans specializing in textiles, woodcarving, and traditional embroidery to voice their concerns and contribute to the legislative process.

Representatives from the Institute of Culture and the Arts, the Secretariat of Tourism, and the Secretariat of Economic Development have joined the discussions, emphasizing that the proposed law seeks to safeguard ancestral techniques while establishing mechanisms for artisans to secure their rights, build their brands, and access training and formal production chains.

Addressing Historical Neglect

During the assemblies, Deputy Osorio Rosas acknowledged the long-standing marginalization of artisans in public policy, noting that their work had often been reduced to folklore without substantive support. She highlighted recent efforts under Governor Mara Lezama’s administration, including financial aid, production credits, and official recognition for local artisans.

“We are aware of the challenges faced by our textile artists, who often struggle to market their products, obtain funding, or receive proper training. That’s why we are engaging directly with communities, presenting the initiative, and gathering feedback to incorporate into the legal text,” Osorio Rosas stated.

She further stressed that the new law would reject superficial gestures in favor of meaningful inclusion: “Pretense has no place here. Today, public decisions are made with those who have historically been excluded. This law will reflect the true needs of Indigenous communities, ensuring long-term preservation of their identity and economic development.”

Protecting Intellectual Property

Beyond cultural preservation, the initiative includes provisions to protect artisans’ intellectual property rights, preventing the unauthorized use or plagiarism of their designs by businesses or tourism operators.

The ongoing consultations aim to ensure the law’s social and technical legitimacy, with the goal of enduring beyond political transitions. Once the feedback phase concludes, the proposal will advance to legislative committees for review during the next ordinary session.