The Yucatan state government has announced a plan to protect the rich history, symbolism, techniques, and meanings of Mayan embroidery from plagiarism. This initiative is part of the Yucatecan Mayan Embroidery Safeguard Plan, which is a byproduct of the Economic and Social Development Project with a Gender Perspective on Yucatecan Mayan Embroidery.
From the archaeological site of Uxmal, a world heritage site for the past 28 years, Governor Huacho Díaz Mena and Diego Prieto Hernández, the general director of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), issued certificates to 200 embroiderers from 12 municipalities. These certificates recognize them as custodians of the cultural knowledge that forms the bedrock of the region's community organization.
The governor emphasized the importance of acknowledging the value of the artisans' work. He stressed the need for fair pricing, product promotion, and protection against plagiarism. "We aim for embroidery to be a viable and sustainable income source for all women practicing it. Every garment they create should be recognized as a work of art," he said.
Accompanied by Wendy Méndez Naal, the president of the System for the Comprehensive Development of the Family (DIF) Yucatan, Díaz Mena reiterated his commitment to include Mayan textile embroidery in the national inventory of cultural heritage. He also expressed his intention to work towards its recognition by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Díaz Mena acknowledged the collective efforts of UNESCO, the Banorte Foundation, and the State Government in developing this plan. The primary goal is to ensure that…
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