#tehuanas

[drblythenstein]

This typical costume from the Istmo de Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, is recognized worldwide for the beauty of its embroidery and is a clear example of the cultural mix that has occurred over the years in Mexico, as the inspiration taken from the Manila shawl and the ruffles originated in Holland. Called Tehuana, it is made of three elemental pieces: the huipil or handmade blouse, and the skirt, both in black velvet or silk embroidered satin with colored flowers. Besides, the white ruffle is placed on the head for events or special occasions. Ethnic richness in Oaxaca is as vast as its territory, which is comprised of 570 municipalities, where 12 different indigenous communities live. There is an estimate of 300 typical Oaxacan costumes that artisans weave in cotton, wool and silk. Mixes fabrics have transcended frontiers thanks to their fine flower embroidery. Black and red colors predominate in their designs, which are usually adorned with figures of suns and magueys. The Chinantec fabrics are infused with vibrant colors, having pieces splashed of red, pink and purple. The meaning of their symbology is related to the origin of the world, and the coexistence of life and death.

[themuseumwithoutwalls]

MWW Artwork of the Day (7/31/21) Roberto Montenegro (Mexican, 1885-1968) Tehuanas in Traditional Huipil Grande Headdresses (c. 1923-26) Oil on canvas, 91.8 x 76.2 cm. Private Collection

The artist’s interest in traditional Mexican culture is at the forefront of this stunning work, which shows six women dressed in ceremonial lace headdresses from the city of Tehuantepec, in the state of Oaxaca. Known as a huipil grande, or sometimes as a resplandor, the women’s bodies are covered by a flowing, cape-like garment and each woman’s face is encircled by starched folds of white cloth. This version of the huipil grande would have only been worn for a formal occasion, a fact which seems supported in this painting by the women’s somber expressions. Nevertheless, in their hands each woman clutches a small colorful bouquet of flowers and their overlapping positions give the impression of a crowded procession, recalling the rich array of festivals and religious celebrations that occur annually throughout Mexico.

For more of this artist's work, see this MWW gallery/album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=TheMuseumWithoutWalls&set=a.3335443876560958

[neoyorzapoteca]

Tina Modotti, Al mercato di Tehuantepec, 1929

[themuseumwithoutwalls]

MWW Artwork of the Day (11/22/20) Francisco Zúñiga (Costa Rican/Mexican, 1912-1998) Tehuanas (1973) Pastel on paper, 47.6 x 63.5 cm. Private Collection

Zuñiga is best known for his sculptures of women, as well as his focus on themes of motherhood. His massive works were primarily executed in onyx or cast in bronze, and fused classical sculptural methods with indigenous archetypes. His paintings and drawings also showed Western influences, but maintained a clear connection to Pre-Hispanic art.   Exuberant, sensuous volumes and majestic proportions lend each Zuñiga woman a sense of sculptural and metaphysical completeness. Zuñiga's drawing goes beyond simple technical virtuosity in search of an expression of human values. His poignant sculptures and drawings depict Mexico's indigenous peoples. The familiar cast of characters is presented without smiles or tears. Each sturdy model reflects a resolute resistance to the hardships of everyday life. Each image is infused with a silent intensity and purity of form that also shows in his sculptural work. Francisco Zuñiga's work reveals an inner strength in his subjects and insists on an unpretentious personal standard of beauty that is neither, "chic or pretty in a Western European sense." His Mexican woman sit wrapped in fabric that is sculpturally modeled in rich tones with their faces revealing an unbending determination. (adapted from several sources)

[neoyorzapoteca]

Tina Modotti - Mujer del istmo

[neoyorzapoteca]

Graciela Iturbide, Manos poderosas (Juchitán, México, 1986)

[neoyorzapoteca]

Tina Modotti

[neoyorzapoteca]

Graciela Iturbide, Conversación (Juchitán, México, 1986)