Who Are the Amuzgo?
The Amuzgo (Tzañcue or Tzjon Noan, "people of the yarn") are an indigenous people of the Pacific coast region spanning Guerrero and Oaxaca states in southwestern Mexico. Numbering approximately 50,000-60,000, they inhabit municipalities including Xochistlahuaca, Tlacoachistlahuaca, and Ometepec in Guerrero, and San Pedro Amuzgos and Santa MarĂa Ipalapa in Oaxaca. They speak Amuzgo, an Oto-Manguean language forming its own distinct branch within that family, indicating ancient separation from related peoples. The Amuzgo are renowned for their exceptional weaving traditions—their handwoven huipiles are considered among Mexico's finest textiles.
Weaving Excellence
Amuzgo weaving is considered among the most technically accomplished in Mesoamerica. Women weave on backstrap looms—a technology unchanged since pre-Columbian times—producing huipiles (blouses), servilletas (cloths), and other textiles. Amuzgo huipiles are distinguished by elaborate brocade work featuring complex geometric and figurative designs woven directly into the cloth (not embroidered). Designs include animals, plants, human figures, and abstract patterns with symbolic meanings. Traditionally, a woman's huipil communicated her community, status, and skill. A single huipil might require 3-6 months of work. White cotton with multicolored brocade is characteristic, though regional variations exist. The town of San Pedro Amuzgos is particularly famous for weaving. This textile tradition has gained national recognition, with Amuzgo weavers receiving Mexico's National Prize for Arts and Sciences.
Language and Identity
The Amuzgo language is a linguistic isolate within the Oto-Manguean family, meaning it diverged from other languages so long ago that the relationship is detectable only through specialized analysis. Amuzgo has significant dialectal variation between Guerrero and Oaxaca communities. The language is tonal, with pitch distinguishing word meanings—a feature shared with many Oto-Manguean languages. While Spanish has made inroads, Amuzgo remains the primary language in most communities, particularly among women and older generations. Bilingual education programs have developed, though resources remain limited. The name "Amuzgo" itself comes from Nahuatl (amoxco, "place of books"), imposed during Aztec domination; the people's own name refers to their weaving identity.
Contemporary Amuzgo
Modern Amuzgo communities face challenges common to indigenous Mexico: poverty, limited services, and out-migration pressure. Agriculture remains important—maize, beans, and increasingly coffee and fruit. However, weaving provides crucial income, particularly as textiles gain recognition in national and international markets. Cooperatives help weavers access markets and fair prices. Cultural tourism has developed around weaving traditions; visitors come to purchase textiles and observe production. Young women increasingly pursue education while maintaining weaving knowledge. The region's location—between major drug trafficking routes—has brought violence affecting some communities. Despite challenges, Amuzgo identity remains strong, centered on language, ceremony, and especially the textile traditions that give the people their self-identifying name: "people of the yarn."
References
- Stewart, D. (1993). The Power of Cloth: Political Strategies and Textile Production in Mesoamerica
- Barabas, A. M. (1999). La Territorialidad SimbĂłlica y los Derechos Territoriales IndĂgenas
- Smith-Stark, T. (1995). El Estado Actual de los Estudios de las Lenguas Mixtecanas y Zapotecanas