The Silk Artisans of San Pedro Cajonos: A Comprehensive Analysis

Written by Alma Cristina Gómez Macfarland 

Continuing with the results of the research, this report presents a comprehensive analysis of the situation of the silk artisans of San Pedro Cajonos, Oaxaca, based on ten interviews conducted, examining personal, economic, social, and training aspects of the artisans, as well as marketing methods and needs for government support.

The study includes ten artisans of different ages, experiences, and family situations. The average age is approximately 45 years, although there is considerable variation, ranging from 23 to 66 years. Most of the interviewees are women, many of whom are single mothers or widows, which directly influences their economic and social needs. The transmission of the craft from generation to generation is notable, with several artisans learning the craft from their mothers or grandmothers, consolidating family tradition; however, there are also cases of artisans who learned through workshops and courses. The artisans may be involved in the complete process of silk production or just a part of it.

Silk production in San Pedro Cajonos involves a complex and artisanal process, encompassing everything from raising silkworms to making garments. While all artisans know the complete process, some specialize in specific stages, such as:

• Silkworm Raising: The initial stage, which requires specific knowledge about feeding, caring for, and preventing diseases in the worms.

• Spinning: Transforming silk cocoons into thread, a task requiring patience, manual skill, and dexterity.

• Weaving: Making garments (rebozos, huipiles, scarves), with varying levels of technical complexity.

• Finishing and Embroidery: Decorating garments using finishing and embroidery techniques.

• Design: Creating new designs, a skill not possessed by all artisans, limiting their capacity to diversify production and generate greater income.

Regarding income and silk marketing, the main challenge for artisans lies in economic precariousness. Monthly earnings are highly variable, ranging from less than MXN 2,000 (around $100 USD) to more than MXN 8,000 (around $400 USD) monthly. This variability is due to the seasonality of demand, the type of garment produced, the marketing method, and each artisan's efficiency. In terms of marketing methods, artisans use different sales strategies such as:

• Direct Sales: Selling to local customers, tourists, and at local events. (Example: Alicia Flores mentions that she earns around MXN 2,000 a month).

• Intermediaries: Selling through stores or merchants who then resell the products. In this case, artisans receive a smaller portion of the profits.

• Cooperatives: Some work in cooperatives, providing a certain level of stability, but profit distribution can be limited. (Example: Lizbeth Isidro Cruz mentions monthly earnings of MXN 3,000, around $150 USD, working in a cooperative).

• Events: Participation in fairs and craft events, which offer greater visibility but incur additional costs. (Example: Angélica Cruz Ventura mentions participation in events at Los Pinos, where the government covered expenses).

Income also depends on garment prices, which vary widely depending on the type of piece and its complexity. Huipiles, for instance, are priced significantly higher than scarves. Access to training and government support are critical factors for the development of artisans. Although some have participated in courses and workshops, the frequency and effectiveness of these programs are limited. Programs such as FONART (which has provided support for purchasing materials) and the Young People Building the Future project (which offered support to Lizbeth Isidro Cruz, allowing her to dedicate herself to crafting full-time) are mentioned. Artisans also mention the help received to participate in selling events, where the government sometimes covered transportation and participation costs.

As for training needs, there is a strong demand for training in:

• Weaving Techniques: To improve the quality and complexity of pieces.

• Textile Design: To create innovative and attractive designs that enhance marketing.

• Business Management: To improve administration, pricing, and financial planning.

• Digital Marketing: To promote their products on online platforms.

• Raw Material Conservation: To improve silkworm breeding and obtain higher quality silk thread.

A concerning aspect is the lack of knowledge about the laws that protect intellectual property and the rights of artisans. Many of the interviewees are unaware of the existence of these laws or their protection mechanisms. This makes them vulnerable to the copying of their designs and unfair competition. The artisans express concern about the copying of their designs, especially by artisans from other regions or foreigners. The lack of knowledge about intellectual property laws leaves them unprotected in these situations. There is a clear need for awareness campaigns to inform artisans about their rights and the legal mechanisms for protecting their work.

Alicia Flores: 60 years old, widow, 5 children. Specialized in repacejo and raising, earns around MXN 2,000 monthly (around $100 USD). Needs support for medicines. Considers it easy to teach spinning, but raising requires effort.

Angélica Cruz Ventura: 66 years old, married, had 8 children. 25 years of experience. Irregular income, payments every 6-7 months, sells scarves and huipiles. Received government support for selling events.

Evelya Roquez (Belia Roques): 48 years old, single mother, one child. 10 years of experience. Low income, MXN 800 (around $40 USD) per spool of thread. Raises animals to supplement her income. Considers it viable to offer tourist experiences.

Gladys García Flores (Daisy Mariana García Flores): 28 years old, married, 3 children. Learned to weave from her grandmother. Variable income, around MXN 16,000 (around $800 USD) monthly. Knits scarves, rebozos, and huipiles.

Lidia Cruz Méndez: 64 years old, 30 years of experience. Variable income, around MXN 3,000 - MXN 8,000 (around $150 USD - $400 USD). Received training in San Luis Potosí. Experience in silkworm breeding, spinning, and weaving, but not in dyeing or finishing.

Lizbeth Isidro Cruz: 23 years old, single, no children. Specialized in finishing and jewelry. Income of approximately MXN 3,000 (around $150 USD). Received support from the Young People Building the Future program. Works in a cooperative.

• Percentage of Artisans with Income Below MXN 4,000: It is estimated that more than 60% of artisans have monthly incomes below MXN 4,000 (around $200 USD).
  
  

• Percentage of Artisans Supplementing Their Income with Other Activities: Approximately 40% of artisans supplement their income with other activities, such as raising animals or agricultural work.
  
  

• Percentage of Artisans Who Know the Laws Protecting Their Work: It is estimated that less than 10% of artisans are aware of the laws that protect their intellectual property rights.
  
  

Based on the analysis conducted, the priority needs of artisans can be summarized as follows:

• Training: An integrated training program is needed that covers both advanced weaving techniques and skills in design, marketing, business management, and the use of new technologies. This program should be tailored to meet the needs of each artisan, considering their different levels of experience and individual circumstances.

• Support for Marketing: There is a need for support to promote local crafts, through creating online sales platforms, participating in fairs and craft events, and seeking new markets. Priority should be given to creating marketing networks that include digital marketing strategies.

• Access to Raw Materials: Ensuring the availability of quality raw materials (mulberry leaves) at affordable prices is crucial, by establishing support systems for raw material production.

• Awareness of Rights: It is essential to conduct awareness campaigns to inform artisans about the laws protecting their work and to promote the protection of intellectual property.

• Financial Support: Financial assistance should be provided for the acquisition of equipment and tools to improve working conditions and facilitate the development of their businesses
  
  

Conclusion

To ensure the success of the recommended actions, it is essential to implement a monitoring and evaluation system that allows for tracking progress, identifying potential obstacles, and making necessary adjustments. This system should include key indicators to measure the impact of the implemented actions, such as the increase in artisans' incomes, improvements in the quality of their products, growth in the number of sales, and the level of satisfaction of artisans with the programs implemented. Periodic evaluations (annual or semi-annual) should be conducted to adjust strategies and optimize resource allocation.

This study highlights the complex situation of the silk artisans of San Pedro Cajonos. Despite their rich tradition and artisanal talent, they face multiple challenges that limit their opportunities for economic and social development. The lack of consistent government support, limited access to training, the absence of effective marketing strategies, and the lack of knowledge about their legal rights are crucial factors contributing to this situation. To ensure the sustainability of this tradition, it is essential to implement a comprehensive support program that addresses these needs in a coordinated and effective manner, ensuring the active participation of artisans in the design and implementation of these programs. Only in this way can the preservation of a valuable cultural heritage be guaranteed and the living conditions of these women artisans improved.