Taller Leñateros facts for kids

Taller Leñateros is a special group in Mexico made up of Maya and mestizo women and men. It was started in 1975 by a Mexican poet named Ambar Past. This group works to keep old Indigenous traditions alive, like how to dye things and make paper. They also help save and share Maya stories and culture that have been passed down through generations.

The people at Taller Leñateros create unique books. They write, draw, print, and even bind these books themselves, using paper they make! They hire local artists to create eco-friendly paper from recycled materials. These books often contain Maya songs, poems, and stories written in many different languages.

Taller Leñateros has been very important in helping more women writers become known, especially during a time when many women's voices started to be heard more.

In 2022, the group received a big award called the National Prize for Arts. They won in the "Popular arts and traditions" category, which shows how much their work is valued.

What is Taller Leñateros?

Taller Leñateros is like a creative workshop and a community all in one. The name "Taller Leñateros" means "Woodcutters' Workshop" in Spanish. It's a place where people come together to celebrate and preserve the rich culture of the Maya people and other Indigenous groups in Mexico. They focus on traditional arts and crafts, especially making paper and books.

How Taller Leñateros Started

The group was founded in 1975 by Ámbar Past, a talented Mexican poet. Her idea was to create a space where Indigenous people could use their traditional skills and share their stories with the world. It began as a way to keep ancient knowledge and art forms from being forgotten.

Making Books and Paper

One of the most amazing things Taller Leñateros does is make books from scratch. They use special techniques to create paper from recycled materials, which is good for the environment. Then, Maya artists and writers create original stories, poems, and songs. These are printed and bound into beautiful "artists' books." Each book is a unique piece of art that shares the voices and traditions of the Maya people in their own languages.

Helping Women Writers

Taller Leñateros has played a big part in helping women writers get noticed. They provided a platform for many women to share their creative works and stories. This helped more people see and appreciate the talent of women writers, especially during a time when women's voices were becoming stronger in the arts.

Awards and Recognition

The hard work and dedication of Taller Leñateros have been recognized with important awards. In 2022, they were honored with the National Prize for Arts in Mexico. This award is given to people and groups who have made a huge difference in Mexican culture and traditions. It shows how important Taller Leñateros is for preserving and promoting Indigenous art and heritage.

See also

• amatl, a type of paper made from tree bark