Embroidery from the Masehual Cihuamej Collective, in Cuetzalan, Puebla, Mexico. (2023-08-24) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Hands of change
Rufina Villa Hernández is a pillar of an indigenous women's organization in Cuetzalan, Puebla. With 100 active members, this group has catalyzed cultural development and female empowerment in the region.
Masehual Cihuamej Collective, in Cuetzalan, Puebla, Mexico. (2023-08-24) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A place of transformations
In 1995, the ambitious idea of building a hotel arose, not only to generate employment, but also as a means to promote and sell their crafts together, mainly from waist looms or jonote baskets.
Hotel Taselotzin, in Cuetzalan, Puebla, Mexico. (2023-08-24) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A unique space
By 1997, that vision had borne fruit in the form of the Taselotzin Hotel, which means "What the earth gives." This establishment celebrates and publicizes the ancestral techniques and embroidery of the community.
Cocineras nahuas (2014) by Claudia Alejandra Pureco SánchezMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A close-knit community
Over time, what began as a quest for independence grew into something much more meaningful. Since 2005, the hotel has evolved into a community hub.
Embroidery from the Masehual Cihuamej Collective, in Cuetzalan, Puebla, Mexico. (2023-08-24) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
United threads
In this cultural center, artisans exchange ideas, work on their embroidery, and revitalize their traditions.
Masehual Cihuamej Collective, in Cuetzalan, Puebla, Mexico. (2023-09-10) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Support between threads and community
This space is a testament to the mutual support between the women of Cuetzalan, who can express themselves in this place, and their art receives the recognition it deserves.
Embroidery from the Masehual Cihuamej Collective, in Cuetzalan, Puebla, Mexico. (2023-09-10) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Rescued techniques
The organization has a firm principle: pay the artisans before selling. This has revived techniques that had been abandoned because they were not economically profitable.
Masehual Cihuamej Collective, in Cuetzalan, Puebla, Mexico. (2023-09-10) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Ancestral heritage
The women of Cuetzalan have a refuge for the preservation of their ancestral traditions and techniques.
Masehual Cihuamej Collective, in Cuetzalan, Puebla, Mexico. (2023-08-24) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A special place
The collective is proof that camaraderie and joint work create dynamics in which community art and the talent of artisans can shine.
Embroidery from the Masehual Cihuamej Collective, in Cuetzalan, Puebla, Mexico. (2023-08-24) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Preserved art
The true essence of Cuetzalan is manifested in its community: a group that, through art and mutual support, sculpts a promising future for the next generations.
Masehual Cihuamej Collective, in Cuetzalan, Puebla, Mexico. (2023-08-24) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
