Stitches of History: Tlaquilpa's Legacy
Artisans of the Sierra de Zongolica, Veracruz: A family history, memories of the community
Works of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The beginning
The story of Nancy Carvajal and her mother Matilde García Tentzohua is one of perseverance and a commitment to caring for their traditions.
Works of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Legacies
The family and the Tekimalaktl Collective are a common thread in Tlaquilpa, weaving stories and patterns that bear witness to past generations.
My mother is the root, but I am the fruit of the tree. Nancy Carvajal
Works of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Collective memory
The oral and family tradition is the heart and soul of Mexico as it safeguards techniques and wisdom over generations.
Artisan of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Matilde: guardian
At 80, Matilde is the longest-serving person in the community and has been the torchbearer who illuminates the path as she advocates for wool when many have left it behind.
Artisan of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Resilience
Matilde's unwavering love for her land and traditions is what saved Tlaquilpa's ancestral techniques from oblivion.
Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Resurrection of traditions in Tlaquilpa
Saving their traditions and using Nahuatl has created a sense of cultural identity in Tlaquilpa, where many families have at least one or two sheep, something that was unthinkable years ago.
Artisan of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Links between art and family
For Nancy, each stitch is a memory, a lesson learned from her mother, and a commitment to keeping the tradition alive.
Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A bright future
The family weaves not only wool, but also hope that ensures Tlaquilpa's legacy will shine through for future generations.
Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
One family: one community
The art, materials, and colors that bring Tlaquilpa to life have been instrumental in bringing families together and thereby keeping the community unified.
Works of the Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Heart of the community
More than a technique, it is Matilde's love and dedication, transmitted to Nancy, that unites and strengthens the essence of Tlaquilpa.
Tekimalaktl Collective, in Tlaquilpa, Veracruz, Mexico. (2023-08-27) by Manuel de Jesús Pérez GarcíaMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Stitches of History: Tlaquilpa's Legacy
Between stitches and traditions, the soul of Tlaquilpa lives on in every generation.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.