Over the last few years, Merida’s craftspeople have begun exploring new materials, techniques and designs in order to expand their markets in a changing socioeconomic environment. As a result, new activities have emerged which, with varying luck, have widened the range of options for the development of the craftspeople community.
New handcrafts include papier mâche, ragdolls dressed in traditional attire, wood toys and ornaments, corn husk dolls, objects made with recycled paper, woven handbags (hammock-style or jute), sculpted gourds, seashell jewelry, and articles made with coconut shell, bone and horn.
Some of these handcrafts are commercialized in other Mexican states. These include wood-encased votive candles, twig color pencils and colorful ceramic mobiles. The ingenuity of craftspeople allows them to continuously come up with new original pieces. In addition, their creativity allows them to meet the challenges presented by working independently (whether individually, within their family or in small associations) and trying to satisfy their customers’ tastes, while remaining authentic.
Source: Merida artesanal (Handcrafts in Merida)
Segunda edicion 2005.
City Council of Merida
