Maleku design projects
Maleku design projects is a proposal for co-construction and reflection between Maleku designers and artisans on the changes that have taken place in the indigenous region with the arrival of modern times. The main objective is to rescue traditional craft techniques and create objects that respect the historical, cultural and commercial space.
It is a reality that the vast majority of handicraft production has become one of the main economic resources of certain populations, essentially indigenous.
Maleku artisans live from the sale of their crafts. It is useless to imagine them with the romanticism of a culture separated from the outside world, far from commercial objectives. But like all creative people, learning about other things, trying new techniques, is part of the natural evolution.
My aim is to encourage that creativity and diversity with workshops, giving value to the essence of their work and of objects that were once useful, indigenous and that can now be modern useful and not just decorative.
For more than 8 years, I have been working with the independent women's group Caronco, from Palenque Sol, with whom I have been able to discover a large part of their tradition, needs and expectations. This work of exchange has consisted in developing a series of annual design workshops, creating several product collections.
Between one workshop and the next, we work out what their needs are and try to come back with answers, materials and new ideas to motivate them in their work.
Workshop concept/methodology : mmm - Maria Laura Méndez Martén
Specific designs : Caronco Collectif
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Making concepts reality
The craft identity of indigenous communities has been affected by the demands of tourists and the world of commercial crafts.
"We are asked for what is sold and no consideration is given to whether the work is really maleku or whether it is being sold at fair value".
With the gradual disappearance of the traditional practices, a part of the indigenous culture disappears, so it is urgent to try to create spaces for reflection in which local design can continue to develop and be valued both by the country and by tourists.
Among the biggest challenges has been to understand what are the real resources we can count on in the area and how to use these resources to innovate.
