The Tzotzil maya people

The Tzotzil Maya are one of the most distinctive of the 65 indigenous ethnic groups in Mexico with a unique religion that blends traditional beliefs with elements of Catholicism, shamans and fireworks.

The Tzotzil live predominantly in the lush green highlands of central Chiapas in southern Mexico. They have a rich dream culture where elements of the highly interpersonal Mayan dream manifest into their social world and culture. Their rich spirituality is reflected in their traditional clothing and art, which both feature vivid colors and traditional symbolism.

Sadly, after the Spanish conquest, the Tzotzil people were stripped of their lands and rights and exploited for centuries as labourers.

To say that the Ttzotzil people haven’t had it easy is a massive understatement. With the collapse of coffee prices in the 1980s, sustainable employment has been very hard to find in the highlands and many Tzotzil people had to leave their traditional culture and villages behind in search for a better live in the big cities. Like with many other indigenous ethnic groups around the world, this has put the Tzotzil people and their unique culture at risk of being lost forever. 

Thankfully, there is now renewed hope. With foreign tourism to rural Mexico growing substantially over the last few decades, the creation and sale of artisan goods has provided a sustainable economic opportunities for the Tzotzil people.

ARTISANAL GOODS FOR CULTURAL INDEPENDENCE

Thanks to the success of their artisan goods, sizable Tzotzil communities have re-established in some towns such as the well known travel destination San Cristobal De Las Casas. 

Many Tzotzil women have been able to establish small independent artisan good businesses, enabling them to support thriving families and communities.

Unfortunately, this development is not without problems. With the success of Mayan art and artisan goods beyond the borders of Mexico, so called ‘Coyotes’ have started to exploit indigenous artisans, cashing in big profits while not properly compensating the artisans for their thousands of ours of meticulous work. As if that is not enough, big international fashion labels have started to mass produce fashion items featuring the century old trademark designs and symbolism of the Maya people.  

SAFEGUARDING THE FUTURE OF THE TZOTZIL

Cultural appropriation and exploitation threaten the very existence of the Tzotzil people as well as the many other indigenous ethnic groups around Mexico.

The single best way protect the endangered Tzotzil people and culture is by empowering individuals and small family networks to establish and grow their own successful businesses. In addition, legal protection of their traditional trademark designs, as well as their homelands is urgently required.