Colors with Roots: The Vivid Dyes of Tlaquilpa
Artisans of the Sierra de Zongolica, Veracruz, a Color Palette of Tlaquilpa
Artisan of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
Between threads and mountains
Tlaquilpa, located in the Sierra de Zongolica, Veracruz, bears witness to the artisanal legacy woven by Nancy Carvajal and her mother, Matilde García Tentzohua.
Works of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
Colorful traditions
Mexico shines through its vitality: vibrant villages, radiant people, and colorful clothing. In Tlaquilpa, sheepskin wool is fused with shades, creating a mosaic of cultural heritage.
Fabrics from the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
Expanding colors
In times of old, the wool reflected the shade of the sheep. Today, thanks to innovations and varied color palettes, artisans have a wider canvas at their disposal to express their art.
Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
Natural inspiration
Each piece is born from a creative spark, where the nuances reflect the majesty of the mountains and forests they call home.
Sierra Zongolica in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
Organic palette
Nature is not only a source of inspiration, but also a supplier of insects and plants from which they extract the pigments that embellish and give personality to their creations.
Sierra Zongolica in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
The amozote: A hidden treasure
For many, the amozote is a plague among the cornfields.
Works of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
The magic touch of the amozote
But in Tlaquilpa, its orange pulp brings magic to every fiber of wool.
Sierra Zongolica in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
Secret colors
The amozote is only one of their secrets. The eno, or paxtle, which they collect for hours, gives the wool a soft green hue.
Sierra Zongolica in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
Colors of the earth
These gifts from the earth infuse life and tradition into every fiber of wool.
Sierra Zongolica in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
Fusion of materials
Not all dyes come from the same place. Nancy, having grown up in Mexico City, proposes the incorporation of new materials and techniques into the original processes.
Works of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
Pre-Hispanic techniques
Although cochineals are not native to Tlaquilpa, they have been used since ancient times as an intense red dye.
Works of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
The art of blue
Ground indigo, despite being foreign, brings deep blue tones to the wool. This technique is done in a pot where it is mixed with maguey leaves and urine.
Works of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
Bound together by the art of dyeing
Techniques and places are closely linked, such as the process of dyeing with indigo, which is practiced outdoors with inspiration from the tones of the forest.
Works of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
The soul of the kitchen
In contrast, the amozote is prepared in the center of the house, in the kitchen, among stoves and conversations.
Works of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
Weaving stories for the future
The color of wool tells the story of Tlaquilpa, based on a deep respect for tradition and a constant evolution that weaves narratives for future generations.
Works of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaSecretaría de Cultura
