María Natividad López Tapia lives in the coastal pueblo (village) of Santiago Jamiltepec, Oaxaca where over 55% of the population is indigenous, and over 30% of the inhabitants speak one of the indigenous languages, predominantly Mixtec. The Mixtec call themselves the Ñuu Savi that means the "people of the clouds". 

Natividad is a third generation bordado (embroidery) artisan. She learned at a very young age and has developed her own style using new techniques and unusual accents such as chaquiras (seed beads), ribbon and a shiny commercial thread. Four members of her family plus two others work together on the crochet and embroidery of the unique Mixtec and Mestizo huipiles (traditional blouses/dresses) she creates. Her work is very unique

Indigenous communities from Oaxaca have been exposed to trade routes that have been active even before the first Europeans came into the continent. Such exposure has led to a “global market” that has influenced the way in which these communities behave. Textiles (from fibers and dyes to yarns and finished cloths) have been a part of this very active exchange. What could be considered traditional now, was in fact very avant-garde at the beginning.

Famous throughout the world, however, is the Mixtec huipil. Aidé’s huipiles are woven on a back-strap loom and then embellished with beads, ribbon, etc. A huipil is a loose-fitting tunic, generally made from two or three rectangular pieces of fabric which are then joined together with an opening for the head and, if the sides are sewn, openings for the arms.

Barrio la Postora

Calle SN,

Santiago Jamiltepec, Oaxaca

954 135 7315 WhatsApp

No email

Facebook: Costeña Hernández