Cerro del Cuatro

Yesterday Josh and I headed up to Cerro del Cuatro with Danielle to meet with a group of women who will be forming an artisan cooperative. Cerro del Cuatro is a very poor colonia in Guadalajara, situated on a hill (cerro) with what used to be roads now littered with boulders and trash. Along with the jumble of former roads is a sea of gray, cinderblock homes, many without glass for windows, doors to rooms, and tile floors.
The women in this group have been creating embroidered bags, napkins, place mats, and scarves (to name a few items), using designs and techniques passed on from their indigenous ancestors (Otomí). An idea emerged from a young woman working with Danielle to form an organization that would represent the women and help them receive fair pay for their crafts, as the women have been selling their work independently down in the city center for much less than it is worth. Josh and I have now entered the scene as potential photographer/videographer and designer for the website that will sell their goods. This is all in the beginning stages and is very exciting. It was quite an experience to see these women in their environment, and indigenous designs that have survived for generations.