Palma
Palma weaving is one of the most iconic and oldest Mexican crafts. Used by prehispanic cultures throughout a wide range of applications. Petates, food containers,baskets, sandals, nets and fans to name a few. Its generation to generation, gifting us nowadays this rich splendid handcraft.One special location in Mexico for this Palma weaving technique is in the valley of Zapotitlán in Puebla. Green Palma is native to this area, a desert named cactus forest.Women and men from this community have been weaving Palma for many generations.The fragile material needs a special humidity percentage in order to avoid breakage.
They are then set to dry for a week, carefully finding the middle point, avoiding burning the leaves, and avoiding excess humidity. After the drying process, the Palma is cut lengthwise with a knife. This step defines how fine the final texture of the weaving will be.
Underneath the earth in the desert between Oaxaca and Puebla, a unique texture is being created. The woven process starts from the center of the piece and moves outward. The weaving follows a quick movement that continues for several days. Their technique is mastered, precise, and fluent.
