Workshop: Amuzga Weavers and Embroiderers from Mexico
June 28-June 30, 2025
Textile Research Centre, Leiden, Netherlands
The TRC has the opportunity to welcome a group of Amuzga weavers and embroiderers from Xochistlahuaca, Mexico. The group (organised by the TuYu Foundation) has offered to give two workshops at the TRC Leiden on weaving (two days) and embroidery (one day).
In addition, there will be a small, pop-up exhibition about Amuzga woven garments based on garments in the TRC Collection, as well as the chance to purchase items directly from the weavers.
“One of our key projects is in Xochistlahuaca (Guerrero, Mexico), where we work with a group of Amuzga women, an indigenous community. Our project involves documenting local symbols and their meanings, while also preserving textile practices such as natural dyeing, backstrap weaving, and hand spinning. We aim to promote Amuzga culture and teach the art of weaving on the traditional Mexican backstrap loom.”
“As part of our mission, we organize European tours featuring representatives from the community, and we host workshops and masterclasses in cultural spaces that promote traditional craftsmanship.
Past collaborations include venues such as Saber Fazer (Porto), Loulé Criativo (Loulé), Dudúa (Barcelona), La Escuela Artesans (Mallorca), Ambacht & Beeld Festival, and Het WereldMuseum (Amsterdam/Rotterdam), among others.”
Front of an embroidered dress. Amuzga, Mexico, late 20th century (TRC 2025.0324).Front of an embroidered dress. Amuzga, Mexico, late 20th century (TRC 2025.0324).The first workshop at the TRC is about backstrap loom weaving will cover the making of a loom, setting up the warps, basic weave forms including supplementary weft pattern making. Participants: minimum 6, max. 8. Dates: 28-29 June 2025. Times: 10.00 to 16.00 on both days. Costs: €225, including all necessary materials. Participants may take home the backstrap loom that they will be making and using during the workshop.
The second workshop is about embroidery and more particularly the Randa technique that is used to join two pieces of cloth together in a decorative and colourful manner. Participants: minimum 6, max. 8. Date: 30 June 2025. Times: 10.00 to 14.00. Costs: €80 pp., including all necessary materials.
Please register as soon as possible, for one or both events at info@trc-leiden.nl. Participants will receive more information and an invoice four weeks before the meetings.
Find more information online here.
Image: Amuzga woman while weaving. Creative commons.
