A Self-Taught Mazahua Embroiderer Revives Ancient Iconography

From the Mazahua community of San Felipe Santiago, Vila de Allende, Mexico, master embroiderer Jan Cristhian Mata Ferrer is somewhat of an anomaly. The Mazahua are known for their incredible embroidery, a tradition that typically only women take part in. Surrounded by beautiful textiles as he grew up, Jan Cristhian Mata Ferrer couldn’t help but be enamored by the practice. However, as a boy he was not encouraged to learn, so he taught himself. By the age of 13 he had mastered all the embroidery techniques. Today, Jan Cristhian Mata Ferrer practices seven types of embroidery; cross stitch, lomillo a dos agujas (traditional Mazahua embroidery), hilvanado, pepenado, careado, lomillo, and pata de gallo, and is working to rescue ancient iconography.

Mazahua embroidery (lomillo a dos agujas) is unique to their community, it cannot be found anywhere else in Mexico. Typical motifs include geometric patterns, flowers, birds, the tree of life, and human figures such as la Virgen de Guadalupe. The embroidery adorns blankets, tablecloths, morrales (bags), quexquémetls (shawls/ponchos), table runners, overcoats, and vests. One of the few men who embroider, Jan has been awarded and recognized by Fomento Cultural Citibanamex, the Ibero-American Museum of Crafts, and the UNESCO Youth Forum. He is currently studying to receive his Bachelor of Arts and Cultural Heritage from Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México.