Web www.mexicantextiles.com
The Mountains of the Nayar region of Nayarit. Many canyons and river vallies cover this remote region. It is the home of the CoraHuichol and Tepehua indigenous groups.
The mountains of Mexico are the home to many of Mexicos indigonous groups this is the firts of many galleries dedicated to these wonderful treasure. These hare photos of the Sierra Zongalica in Vera Cruz.
Pottery in Mexico is still used in many villages in a traditional day to day way. There are many types and designs some utilitarian and other highly decorative. This section will be continually expanded.Click on the image to see many villages and thier clay crafts.
This page has video of festivals, indigenous language, textile techniques and more. It is best views with a high speed internet connection. However there are 56k vidoes to enjoy also.
Dolls have a number of interesting uses. In my mind those that are made for the indigenous children to use are part of the stuggle to preserve culture and to validate it. It is also an important money making craft for many villages.
Here are a series of villages that I feel have special meaning for the project. Each one has that special character that makes it a perfect example of why preservation of the textile memory of mexico is so important.
Papel Amate Traditional Ceremonial cuttings- The Otomi Indian live in a five state area. Many Otomi pueblos are located deep in the remote areas of the region know as the Hausteca. These villages still retain strong currents of traditional beliefs and customs. Theirs is a view of the world filled with a pantheon of invisible spirits. These spirits , good and evil, affect every aspect of life. They hold Zaki ( life forces) and Na Xudi the ( shadow side)of all things. Many events from building a house, death, arguments with neighbors , successful harvest or even love, are explained by the presence of the spirits. The shaman use beautiful paper dolls (Dahi) cut from handmade amate paper to represent and manipulate these forces. They conduct cleansings, healings and "costumbres" ( ritual ceremonies) with the "Dahi" to heal and protect the villagers. These figures are representations of these “spirits ” and are intended share these amazing designs with the world.

los rebozo de maria