For the past week, I’ve been helping the women of Yo’on Ixim prepare for a textile fair this weekend. This is the first textile fair in Puebla, and the idea is to promote and support the work of local designers and artisans. We counted, labeled, photographed and packed all the women’s merchandise. We took a trip to the city’s center so the women could see where the fair was going to be held (many had never been to the center). We created an inventory that would be easy to understand. We put together a work schedule. And finally today, it all came together as we created a beautiful stand showcasing Yo’om Ixim’s clothing, purses, jewelry, headbands and other accessories.
I loved telling customers about “our” products and sharing more about the organization. My favorite part was seeing journalists come to our stand curious about the handiwork. One journalist even interviewed and photographed two of the Tsotsil women, Angelina and Susanna. The interview is supposed to be available on YouTube and Facebook next week, and I can’t wait to see it!
On a different note, I also observed how challenging it can be for these women and people of the Tsotsil community to engage in everyday activities that seem normal to me.
In addition to not speaking Spanish well, many of the women are illiterate. In the last couple of days, I’ve had to learn how to get around the city via public transportation. It hasn’t been easy even though I’m able to read the signs on the buses and ask the drivers or other passengers for directions. These women, on the other hand, can’t read the signs or ask for directions. As I put myself in their shoes, it’s not surprising that many women don’t leave their neighborhoods.
Additionally, these women dress in their traditional attire which looks different than the average person’s. Their clothing easily sets them apart, and I’ve noticed some people do a double-take when they see them. I don’t think the looks are malicious, but I imagine that it may be uncomfortable for them. Earlier today, Angelina, Susanna, and I went to a coffee shop in the plaza to use the bathroom. I was able to walk right in without saying or buying anything, and they trailed behind me. However, I wonder if their experience would have been the same if they had been alone.
Finally, I’ve noticed that some of them are still getting used to things that I take for granted– water faucets, for instance. It may seem strange that in 2018 these items are still foreign to some people, but many of the women don’t even have running water in their homes.
I’ve only been in Puebla for 1 week, and it’s already been an eye-opening and humbling experience, to say the very least. I can’t wait to see what’s in store tomorrow as we go back for day 2 of the fair and in the days ahead!
Trails And Travels 