Young Hands: A Story about the Evolution of an Art
Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo: An ancestral art that seeks to modernize itself
Loo’l Pich Collective in the community of X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (2023-09-02) by Antonio MuñozSecretaría de Cultura
A collective effort
In the majestic region of X-Pichil, located in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo, Amanda Tah Arana together with the Loo'l Pich collective, composed of 20 artisans, strive to preserve their ancestral traditions through the art of embroidery.
Loo’l Pich Collective in the community of X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (2023-09-02) by Antonio MuñozSecretaría de Cultura
Family and tradition
The art of embroidery has been passed down in the Maya region for generations. It is thanks to matriarchs such as mothers and grandmothers that young people learn to weave the stories and cosmologies of their town.
Loo’l Pich Collective in the community of X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (2023-09-02) by Antonio MuñozSecretaría de Cultura
Collaboration and togetherness
What started in 2011 with just six artisans is now a robust network that celebrates collaboration. The unity and diversity of the collective is what makes them special.
Loo’l Pich Collective in the community of X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (2023-09-02) by Antonio MuñozSecretaría de Cultura
Teachings that last
The commitment of these women goes beyond their community. They travel to different populations, for example, towns near Tulum, to teach courses where they teach and preserve their techniques.
Loo’l Pich Collective in the community of X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (2023-09-02) by Antonio MuñozSecretaría de Cultura
Embroidery from the Loo’l Pich Collective in the community of X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (2023-09-02) by Antonio MuñozSecretaría de Cultura
New creations
Despite modern pressures, the Loo'l Pich collective has managed to adapt by combining contemporary designs with traditional motifs and techniques.
Embroidery from the Loo’l Pich Collective in the community of X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (2023-09-02) by Antonio MuñozSecretaría de Cultura
New models
In addition to the traditional huipil or hipil, the artisans have produced, among other things, shirts, swimwear, tennis shoes, and face coverings.
Embroidery from the Loo’l Pich Collective in the community of X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (2023-09-02) by Antonio MuñozSecretaría de Cultura
Each piece is a testament to an evolving culture.
Loo’l Pich Collective in the community of X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (2023-09-02) by Antonio MuñozSecretaría de Cultura
New hands
Guided by Amanda and other teachers, many young people have shown an interest in learning these techniques. They are the connection between the past and the future.
Loo’l Pich Collective in the community of X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (2023-09-02) by Antonio MuñozSecretaría de Cultura
Generational gatherings
Every month, the workshop is filled with laughter, stories, and teachings. At these meetings it is not uncommon to see granddaughters next to their grandmothers, from whom they absorb every movement and every stitch and incubate their own love for embroidery.
Loo’l Pich Collective in the community of X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (2023-09-02) by Antonio MuñozSecretaría de Cultura
Visions of tomorrow
The meetings are much more than a beautiful coexistence; in them, the artisans share techniques and innovations, and discuss the direction and vision of the collective.
Loo’l Pich Collective in the community of X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (2023-09-02) by Antonio MuñozSecretaría de Cultura
A legacy that endures
In X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Amanda and the Loo'l Pich collective weave stories and traditions by adapting to a constantly changing world.
Artisan of the Loo’l Pich Collective in the community of X-Pichil, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (2023-09-02) by Antonio MuñozSecretaría de Cultura
