Friday, October 3, 2003
"Weavers in Warfare from Chiapas"
La Peña and the American Friends Service Committee are proud to present “Weaving and Warfare from Chiapas”. Jolom Mayaetik is a cooperative of 275 weavers in Chiapas, Mexico. They are at the center of warfare between the indigenous rights movement and the economic development. For centuries, various economic systems have jeopardized the survival of indigenous communities. NAFTA has intensified these hardships over the past decade. It has opened up Mexico to cheap chemically grown corn, taking over locally grown corn markets and pushing out indigenous growers.
In order to survive, women have organized cooperatives like Jolom Mayaetik. The proceeds from their artisan work to replace income lost from farming. While the women study to preserve ancient Mayan textiles and natural dyeing methods, they are also learning business practices and market requirements from merchants in San Cristóbal and the government. Their insistence on women’s rights has been revitalizing their communities.
During their tour of Austin on October 1st thru 3rd, La Peña is proud to have representatives from Jolom Mayeatik, Celerina Ruiz and Marla Gutiérrez, join us and speak out on “fair trade” – rather than “free trade”. These two women are fierce and authoritative advocates on the subject. During the event, La Peña’s gallery walls will be covered by this group’s weavings. We invite you to learn about fair trade through their slide presentation and fund it by taking home a beautiful rug.