Immortal Embroideries: The Teenek Soul
Tamaletom, Tancanhuitz, San Luis Potosí: The embroidery processes that revive a culture
Embroidery from the Alabel Dhuche Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Valleys of heritage
In the valleys of San Luis Potosí, in Tamaletom, the Alabel Dhuche' Collective stands out as an emblem of tradition and resilience.
Embroidery from the Alabel Dhuche Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Collective thinking
The collective of more than 30 artisans keep alive the embroidery techniques that tell Tamaletom's stories.
Embroidery from the Alabel Dhuche Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Language
Its embroideries are not only beautiful, but they are also time capsules that preserve Teenek culture and, with it, echoes of a language in danger of fading.
Embroidery from the Alabel Dhuche Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Pillars of the community
Cecilia Santiago and Cornelio Medina, the creative pillars, perpetuate traditional techniques and fuse contemporary ideas in their designs, which makes each piece unique.
Teenek artisan from the Alabel Dhuche' Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Various roles
In the workshop, while Cecilia and other artisans capture the Teenek stories and designs embroidered in the fabric.
The Alabel Dhuche Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
From paper to fabric
Her husband Cornelio experiments with new patterns and ideas for embroidery.
Embroidery from the Alabel Dhuche Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
An art of numbers
The Teenek embroidery is a sign of mathematical precision. Each pattern and design follows a geometric structure.
The Alabel Dhuche Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Infinite possibilities
This quality allows Cornelio to explore new patterns and designs on paper, which opens up Teenek embroidery to endless possibilities.
Teenek artisan from the Alabel Dhuche' Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A heritage to preserve
The new generation, with needles in their hands, delves into this universe of techniques and designs to ensure that traditions remain fresh and relevant.
Teenek artisan from the Alabel Dhuche' Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Innovation to preserve
From their participation in fairs to their adaptation in the digital world, the collective has learned to show their techniques to the world. They use digital platforms to share the process behind each piece and educate a global audience on the richness of Teenek embroidery.
The Alabel Dhuche Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Museum pieces
The Mask Museum in San Luis Potosí not only celebrates the finished pieces, but also the technique and dedication behind them.
Embroidery from the Alabel Dhuche Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
New techniques
Even as they explore new designs, they remain steeped in their roots with the use of natural dyes, manta fabric, and wooden buttons.
Embroidery from the Alabel Dhuche Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Threads for the future
Cecilia, Cornelio, and the Alabel Dhuche' Collective not only create embroidery; they weave the very essence of their culture and ensure that future generations feel and understand the depth of their heritage.
Embroidery from the Alabel Dhuche Collective, in Tamaletom, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (2023-08-30) by Hugo Martínez ToledoMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
