Congratulations to one of my favorite weavers, Amalia Martínez Casas from the mountain village of Tamazulápam del Espíritu Santo, winner of the 13th Popular State Art Prize “Benito Juarez” 2013. The award, presented several days ago by Oaxaca governor Gabino Cue, recognized and honored her work using the backstrap loom, using cotton thread and wool dyed with indigo and banana peel, to weave the traditional costume of Tamazulápam in the Mixe.
Three or four times a year, an artisan fair is held in Llano Park. Puestos upon puestos of pottery, wood carved alebrije, jewelry, and textiles are on display. It was here, two years ago, where I first discovered the exquisite work of the tiny and talented weaver, Amalia Martínez Casas.
I couldn’t resist buying this huipil; a subtle black on charcoal grey that looks both traditional here in Oaxaca and very hip with black leggings and boots in el norte.
And, then the next time, even though the dye was a little uneven, I couldn’t resist buying this short huipil — the color had me at, hola!
Her well-crafted technique and finely drawn designs are sophisticated, be they executed in subdued huipiles or brilliant red serapes.
Every time I wear one of her works of art, people ask, “Where is it from?” “Who made it?” “Where can I get one?” I’ve pointed several friends to her stall in Llano Park during artisan fairs and last week, at the request from a friend in California, I bought this one. The slight green tint will be perfect with her red hair. (Yes, this one’s for you, Louise!)
Photos of the award ceremony can be found HERE and video is available HERE. (Amalia Martínez Casas can be seen beginning at 6:00 minutes.) And, for more of her creations, check out a blog post Chris did last January.
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
Her work IS exquisite! You’re lucky to have some of her wearable artwork.
OMG my favorite weaver that I looked for for years after I bought a huipil from here at a Christmas market about 7 or 8 years ago! I love the look of the back on black embroidery. I was shocked when I found her at this year’s market in Llano park. Now she has won an award! How cool. I am honored to wear one of her huipils!
Thanks Shannon
[…] I think they look great under my beautiful poncho woven by Amalia Martínez Casas. […]
Hola! Do you have a contact of Amalia and would you pass it to me?
Unfortunately, all I have is her name, Amalia Martínez Casas from Tamazulápam del Espíritu Santo, Mixe, Oaxaca. You might ask Museo Textil de Oaxaca. Good luck!
[…] one of the stalls along the Alcalá, I spotted the unmistakable work of Amalia Martínez Casas from Tamazulápam del Espíritu Santo, a mountain village in the Mixe. Alas, it was her daughter […]