As I’ve previously written, two separate (and battling) French designers were exposed as plagiarizing the traditional embroidery designs of Santa María Tlahuitoltepec, a village in the mountainous Mixe region of Oaxaca.
However, at last there is a triumph for the embroiderers and the time-honored motifs handed down from their ancestors and inspired by the land — A Court Rules High-End French Label Doesn’t Own Rights to Indigenous Oaxacan Design.
The people of Santa María Tlahuitoltepec may not be financially wealthy, but they and their community are rich in culture and pride in their history and traditions. They are not angling for a monetary settlement — all they want is that their work and designs be recognized and respected.
While we are on the topic of disrespect of indigenous peoples, we have the recent disgraceful Coca-Cola México advertisement, showing Hipsters Bringing Soda To Indigenous Mexicans — another Mixe village, Totontepec Villa de Morelos. After an immediate social media campaign challenged the ad, Coca Cola pulled it. As this teleSUR article details, This New Coca Cola Ad Shows Mexico’s White Savior Problem. In addition, like the USA, obesity is growing problem here, thus a Reply to Coca-Cola comes in new video by the Alliance for Food Health featuring two Mixe students speaking about the health risks posed by these kinds of “soft drinks” that lack any nutritional value.
By the way, the English language Mexico News Daily is running a poll, asking if you “agree that the controversial Coca-Cola Christmas video was racist or offensive?” And, I’m appalled that as I write, the results are: 32% yes and 68% no!!!
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View From Casita Colibrí 
Shannon, now in Oaxaca .I shared your post with my girlfriend and she wants to know where I can get one for her. Do not recall this type in Oaxaca city. Do you know where I might find one here in the city? Gracias
Ann
Off the top of my head… Try the Instituto de Artesanias Oaxaqueños (ARIPO), the shop at the Museo Textil de Oaxaca, Mujeres Artesanas de las Regiones de Oaxaca (MARO), the 2 artisan shops on Matamoros (between Garcia Vigil & the Alcala), and Huizache (on the Alcala at the corner of Matamoros). Good luck!
Although not the point of your post, I’m hoping for one of those full skirts when we travel your way in February.
I’ve got to say, the calico and rick-rack remind me of square dance skirts. 😉
Right On! I am happy about this!
The people, the artists !!!!!
Yes thank you Shannon😘
See you with yours very soon!
Hello, I’m really intetested in publishing one of your images, how can I reach you directly?
You can email me at CybrarianDesigns [at] aol [dot] com