Semati Tewé

Mexico | Rarámuri Appliqué Apparel

Semati Tewé is a women-led cooperative formed by Rarámuri women from the Sierra Tarahumara in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The group came together in 2021 after conversations about how difficult it had become to sustain their lives, culture, and work within their own territory. Farming alone was no longer enough, and traditional clothing, though still worn daily, was rarely valued as skilled work.

The garments made by Semati Tewé are based on Rarámuri women’s everyday and ceremonial dress. Skirts, blouses, and dresses follow forms that have long been worn in the Sierra, adapted slightly for comfort and use today. Bright colors are central to their work, reflecting both personal expression and cultural tradition. Each piece is sewn by hand and decorated using appliqué, a slow process in which small shapes are stitched one by one across the fabric.

The cooperative currently consists of eight women. Most are young, between the ages of 19 and 34, with one elder who serves as a teacher and guide. Knowledge is shared through doing rather than formal instruction, with women learning by working together and rotating tasks. All garments are made within the group.

Semati Tewé works with cotton, linen, and other natural fabrics, often combining materials and colors in new ways. Designs change constantly, shaped by conversations and experimentation. Leftover fabric is reused to reduce waste and make smaller items.

For the women of Semati Tewé, this work is a way to remain in their community, support their families, and continue to wear and make Rarámuri dress on their own terms. In a region where migration is often the only option, the cooperative offers another path.