Aguacatenango is a small Tseltal village in the Venustiano Carranza municipality of Chiapas. It is south of San Cristóbal, not too far from Amatenango. The men in Aguacatenango are farmers and the women supplement the family income by embroidering blouses and selling them in San Cristóbal de Las Casas.

The women from the village are now wearing a different costume from the traditional ones of 50 years ago. The traditional costume was composed of an embroidered blouse made of manta (cotton cloth) and a wrap-around skirt known as nagua and held by a wide belt known as faja.

Today, their dress consists of a short pleated shirt and a brightly embroidered blouse. A similar costume can be seen in Amatenango but the women there wear their skirts longer and have added an apron.

The blouses made by Catalina are typical from the area and are made from the heavier Chiapas manta or lighter Puebla manta in a variety of colors.

Catalina was born and raised in Aguacatenango and learned the traditional embroidery from her mother between the age of 8 and 10. She moved to San Cristóbal de Las Casas when she married and raised her children there. She is now widowed and supports herself making and selling the colorful blouses of her native village. She is known for her well-finished blouses and traditional designs. This is true Mexican handcrafts at its best.

Avenida Velasio #343

Colonia Doctores

Barrio de San Diego

San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas

967 678 1670