Mexico - Aldama Magdalenas Village, Chiapas

Date Visited: 6th February 2007
Local Language: Tzotzil

Maria and loom

The village of Aldama Magdalenas is c. 2 hours out of San Cristobal in the mountains. It is a Zapatista area so you can’t really just drive up here as a tourist and expect to meet people openly.

We are fortunate to be able to show you these pictures which were all taken with their permission.

Aldama group. Sue Boardman, our translator is on the far left.

Fabulous smile

Traditional Dress

In general the villagers that I have met in this region have all been intensely private and traditional people. Keen to retain their traditions and ways.

Traditional dress for women is thick blue wool skirts , red and white stripped blouses, with fine bright coloured embroidery on the shoulders and neck, big sash bands around their waists and strings of red-coloured beads around their necks.

Unique to this community and very beautiful.

Back Strap Loom

These are good photos demonstrating the traditional back strap loom. The loom is attached to a hook on the wall and the back strap keeps the weave straight and taught. A woman can hang her weave inside or outside depending on the weather and if she needs to keep an eye on her children. The loom can takes almost a week to thread alone. This is because each thread must be done individually and if the cloth is to have a pattern then each thread must be counted carefully. The advantage of the back strap loom is that it is light and portable and easy to assemble. The more popular pedal loom is a heavier and more expensive piece of equipment but it is much quicker to weave on.

A Coke Moment

A Coke Moment

Towards the end of our meeting with the group we were asked if we wanted to share a drink with them. Of course we did. 5 minutes later a crate of Coca-Cola was brought in, as a real treat. It always amazes us what a truly global brand this is.

No matter where you are in the world, Coke has usually got their first.

Discussing the cushion cover option

In The Pipeline?

We were unable to place an order with this group because we felt they currently did not have any goods which were commercially viable.

However, this may be an example of a working relationship that could develop over time. We have asked the village to make up some sample cushion covers using the traditional red and white striped material they use for their blouses, and then incorporating the vibrant designs they embroider on to them.

This is being done at the moment so watch this space...