Art & elevated everyday objects from Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit
CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
Impact Diverse perspectives. Deep traditions. Unique creations. Each purchase from Camino ensures artisans in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit can secure a pathway to economic stability during the pandemic and beyond. We do this by compensating our partners fairly for their talents, championing inclusive decision making, and honoring their diverse cultural identities.
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CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
Camino by Human Connections Honors the journey that each artisan has traveled. Celebrates cultural heritage and collaboration. Envisions a sustainable way forward for our community. Camino is an exploration of the materials, traditions, and techniques used by our alliance of 50+ local artisans. Each handcrafted piece offers a glimpse of the journey traveled by its creator, making this collection unique and meaningful. We invite you to immerse yourself in our bespoke world of home decor, kitchen and entertaining essentials, and accessories.
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CAMINO | ORIGIN STORY
Origin Story Headquartered in Bucerías, Mexico, Human Connections is a non-profit whose mission is to increase empathy across cultures and strengthen communities through responsible travel experiences. We connect local artisans with international audiences through cultural day tours and immersive student programs, all while creating meaningful and revenue-generating opportunities for our community. The arrival of COVID-19 compelled Human Connections to think about how we could better support our partner artisans who typically rely on sales to travelers as their primary income source. Our team quickly worked to pilot an online store to offset some of the lost sales our partners were experiencing. But we knew there was more to do -- and on a larger scale. As a result, Camino came to life. Camino is more than a collection of unique and beautiful artisan goods. It is a path forward for our community. A path with opportunities to expand our sense of community and to spark collaborations between artisans. A path to rebuild with dignity and hope. A path that diminishes the barriers for our partners to reach international audiences, thus safeguarding their families’ futures. A path we can walk together. 4
Artisans & Techniques
CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
Contents
Page 6 - 15
Kitchen & Entertaining Page 16 - 21
Home Decor Page 22 - 33
Accessories Page 34 - 39
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CAMINO | ORIGIN STORY
Artisans & Techniques The artisans with whom we collaborate have made it their life’s work to promote and preserve their cultural heritage. Each hand-crafted piece in Camino is an invitation to explore the techniques passed down from generation to generation and learn about the cultural significance behind them.
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CAMINO | ARTISAN TECHNIQUES
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CAMINO | ARTISAN TECHNIQUES
Wixárika Beadwork The Wixárika (also known as Huichol) culture has populated the mountains of central Mexico for at least 15,000 years. To the present day, their art endures as a form of prayer and direct communication with the sacred realm. In the past, beaded spiritual objects were made with bone, seeds, jade and ceramics. Now the Huichol have access to commercial beads, which has sparked colorful and imaginative work. Corn, deer and peyote are central to the Wixarica belief system and they make up the primary elements represented in traditional beadwork.
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This type of fiber art has been embraced in Southern Mexico, where agave and other desert plants provide the needed materials. Guerrero and Yucatan are states particularly famous for their hammock weaving, which was originally done using henequen (agave fibre). Now, most artisans apply the same techniques
CAMINO | ARTISAN TECHNIQUES
Hammocks and Macrame
with manufactured cotton or nylon yarns. Often working on a free-standing loom, macrame artists utilize a series of complex knots to create gorgeous items such as hammocks, bags and home decor.
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CAMINO | ARTISAN TECHNIQUES
Amate Otomí Amate is a type of tree bark paper that has been produced in Mexico since ancient times, when it was used for ceremonies, healing and sacred writings. During the colonial period the use of amate paper was banned because of its connection to indigenous religion, however production continued secretly by the Otomi people in hard-to-reach mountain villages in Puebla and Veracruz as a way to preserve their cultural identity. The process begins with the harvesting of ficus bark. Traditionally, only the branches are cut allowing for the tree to continue to grow. Some large Ficus trees are considered sacred and are honored surrounded with candles and offerings of cut amate paper. The bark is boiled, dyed or bleached and then placed on top of a wooden board where it is pounded into shape using stones. Long strips of thicker wet bark are layered and woven into the design to create gorgeous patterns and details. A sharp stone is then used to create cut-outs. 10
The Tzotzil and Tzeltal-speaking Maya have inhabited the Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico for thousands of years. Raising sheep, learning to weave the wool and brocade sacred designs is a rite of passage for many women in these communities, whose clothing is often a testament to their social standing and skills. The stuffed animals created by the Tzotzil were first made as gifts for their children; however their popularity with tourists encouraged the artisans to experiment creatively with bolder colors and styles.
CAMINO | ARTISAN TECHNIQUES
Tzotzil Embroidery
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CAMINO | ARTISAN TECHNIQUES
Nahuatl Carving and Painting Wood carving and painting are rich artistic traditions in modern-day Guerrero that date back to about 300 BC. The Nahuatl painting style that comes from Guerrero is one of the most recognized folk styles in Mexico. Flowers, deer, birds and rabbits or intricate scenes that depict the community life, celebrations, and religious beliefs are painted on pottery, wooden carvings and amate paper. These practices carry a strong cultural importance and also provide much of the state’s income, especially in isolated indigenous communities, from which many vendors emigrate.
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For centuries the Zapotec people have paid tribute to the Aztec gods through their masterful weavings. The cultural center for this art form is Teotitlan Del Valle, a small village in Oaxaca, where families pass down this rich tradition through generations. The raw wool is sourced from local sheep, washed, combed and then spun on a spinning wheel. Natural dyes are made from flowers, indigo and a cactus beetle called “cochinilla.” Most designs honor traditional patterns, like the Zapotec diamond, while others showcase original designs specific to each weaver.
CAMINO | ARTISAN TECHNIQUES
Zapoteca Weavings
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CAMINO | ARTISAN TECHNIQUES
Palm Weaving In Mexico’s southern state of Guerrero, where palms grow abundantly, many towns have specialized in palm weaving. The city of Tlamacazapa is particularly well known for a twisted palm weaving technique, unique to that region. Nearby Oaxaca state also boasts a variety of styles of basketry, which sometimes incorporate palm leaves with reeds and rushes. These ancestral techniques have been passed down from generation to generation. The leaves are harvested from the palm plants, then boiled and dried in the sun to lighten their color. They are dyed and braided, then woven into intricate patterns to create a variety of items including, baskets, bags, masks and mats.
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Mexico is a country known for its entrepreneurship so it is no surprise to discover incredible talent among its contemporary artisans and creators. An infinite variety of modern techniques and designs exist in complement to indigenous and traditional art forms. In many cases,
CAMINO | ARTISAN TECHNIQUES
Contemporary Techniques
techniques that are learned in the passing down of ancient practices are reimagined and applied in the creation of unique new artforms.
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CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
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Kitchen & Entertaining COLLECTION 2021
CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
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CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
Relaxed entertaining with a Mexican oceanfront ambiance
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A. Blue Agave Tequilero Set FV001 $98 | B. Palmera Coasters (6) (Turquoise) JJ002; (Natural) JJ001; (Blue) JJ003; (Yellow) JJ004; $20 | C. Palmera Oval Placemats (4) BR004; $24 | D. Zapotec Napkin Set (4) R007 $20
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The durable, resilient wood from the Guamuchil tree is ideal for transforming into pieces you can use in the kitchen daily
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K I TC H E N & E N TE RTA I N I N G | C O L L ECTI O N 2 0 2 1
Warm up your workhorse kitchen staples
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Meet the Artisan Andrés is originally from a small Nahua community, Temalac, in Guerrero, where he learned how to carve wood at a young age. Today, Andrés lives in Bucerías where he crafts beautiful, yet utilitarian products out of Guamuchil wood. He is a master of preserving his ancestors’ traditions while contemporizing his creations for modern-day consumption.
A. Guamuchil Cooking Spoon Set (2) A003 $16 | B. Guamuchil Cutting Board A004 $30 | C. Guamuchil Salad Bowl & Serving Spoons (2) A002 $75 | D. Guamuchil Divided Snack Server A001 $40
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CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
Add texture to your tablescape Mix and match our collection of cotton, wool, and palm table linens to set an eclectic, global motif
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A. Zapotec Coasters R008 $40 l B. Mesita Round Tablecloth R012 $140 | C. Palmera Rectangular Placemat (4) BR004 $24 | D. Rayas Table Runner R015 $110 l E. Orilla Table Runner R013 $120 | F. Espirales Table Runner R014 $130 | G. Pacifica Table Runner R016 $60 l H. Nieve Trivet (White) R009 $35 l I. Piedra Trivet (Grey) R010 $35 l J. Noche Trivet (Black) R011 $35
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K I TC H E N & E N TE RTA I N I N G | C O L L ECTI O N 2 0 2 1
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CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
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Home Decor COLLECTION 2021
HOME DECOR | COLLECTION 2021
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CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
Welcome home Exquisite craftsmanship and traditional Mexican designs merge with contemporary living
A. Tierra Throw Pillowcase Set (2) R003 $98 l B. Paisaje Throw Blanket R001 $80 l C. Equilibrio Area Rug (250 x 152 cm) R020 $1,500 l D. Diamantes Rug (200 x 119 cm) R019 $850 l E. Otomi Amate Large (Natural) I006 $210
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HOME DECOR | COLLECTION 2021
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Bring the durability and versatility of hand-woven palm into your home with the Palmera collection
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HOME DECOR | COLLECTION 2021
Form meets function
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A. Macrame Plant Hanger (Natural) DM006 $45 | B. Palmera Planter/Basket (Medium) F002 $30 l C. Palmera Planter/Basket (Small) F001 $18 l D. Palmera Planter/Basket (Large) F003 $45 l E. Palmera Nesting Baskets (5) BR002 $80
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CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
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A. Pom Poms Medium (Multi-color) LL042-LL051 $18 l B. Palmera Basket (Multi-color) JJ010 $25 l C. Embroidered Letters (A-Z) LL016LL041 $12 l D. Palmera Circular Rug JJ012 $70 l E. El Corazón Throw Pillow LL015 $250 l F. El Chango LL011 $60 l G. El Unicornio LL012 $50 l H. El Camaleón LL007 $38 l I. El Elefante LL009 $45 l J. Peacock Wall Hanging LL005 $180 l K. La Jirafa LL013 $50 l L. El Pavo Real LL014 $50 l M. El Perrito LL010 $45 l N. El Pulpo LL006 $45 l O. El Puerquito LL008 $45
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Sophisticated whimsy for the young...and the young at heart
HOME DECOR | COLLECTION 2021
Immerse yourself in colorful Tzotzil motifs
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Meet the Artisan The Lopez Lopez Family belongs to the Tzotzil indigenous group from Chiapas. They proudly preserve their traditional clothing, language and community traditions. This large family spends half of the year at their home in Chiapas, during which they raise sheep, process the wool, and turn it into cloth. They work as a family to create beautiful toys and decorations that they later sell in Bucerías and markets throughout the Banderas Bay area.
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CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
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Sweet Escape Create a sanctuary to reflect a penchant of travel and inspire wanderlust.
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A. Nube Azul Pillowcase Set (2) R004 $98 l B. Reina Queen Bedspread R006 $220 l C. Otomi Amate X-Large I007 $250 l D. Estrella Wall Hanging (Green) LL004 $30 l E. Ojo de Dios Wall Hanging (Orange) LL002 $25 l F. Estrellita Wall Hanging (Blue) LL003 $25 l G. Ojo de Dios Wall Hanging (B&W) LL001 $25 l H. Pom Poms Large (Olive) LL052 $50 l I. Palmera Planter/Basket (Large) F003 $45 l J. Palmera Planter/Basket (Small) F001 $18 l K. Guerrero Woven Mask JJ011 $50
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HOME DECOR | COLLECTION 2021
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CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
Add art history to your walls Dating back to pre-Columbian times, amate is still handmade by indigenous Otomi artisans using the same methods of their Mesoamerican ancestors from nearly 3,000 years ago
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A. Otomi Amate X- Large I007 (120 x 60cm) $250 l B. Otomi Amate Large I006 (80 x 80cm) $210 l C. Otomi Amate Medium Natural & Brown Circle I004 (40 x 40cm) $75 I D. Otomi Amate Medium Natural & Brown Square I005 (40 x 40cm) $75 I E. Otomi Amate Medium Brown I002 (40 x 40cm) $75 l F. Otomi Amate Small I001 (20 x 20cm) $30
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Produced with the same techniques and materials used for centuries, these rugs, blankets, and bedroom textiles will infuse your space with the rich cultural heritage of the Zapotec people
HOME DECOR | COLLECTION 2021
Traditional fibers
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A. Caracol Azul Rug R017 (147 x 78cm) $500 l B. Águila Door Mat R021 (55 x 40cm) $48 l C. Sueño Twin/Full Bedspread R005 $180 l D. Desierto Throw Blanket R002 $80
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CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
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Accessories COLLECTION 2021
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With technique that spans generations, master artisans weave these one-of-a-kind handbags and totes
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ACCESSORIES | COLLECTION 2021
Elegance, quality and tradition
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A. Adelita Wool Tote Bag C001 $115 I B. Alma Wool Tote Bag C002 $115 I C. Alba Palm Striped Handbag BR005 $24 I D. Yolanda Palm Bag JJ008 $65 I E. Lyla Palm Purse Medium JJ006 $50
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CAMINO | COLLECTION 2021
Small yet mighty Choose contemporary Mexican styles without sacrificing a connection to the cultural traditions that give these accessories character and heart
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Necklaces
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Meet the Artisan A native of Banderas Bay, Benita worked in many different industries before taking the plunge to start her own business. She now resides in Puerto Vallarta where, together with her sister and nieces, she transforms traditional and modern textiles into functional pieces.
A. Silvia Small Cosmetic Bag (Black & White) BRM001 $30 l B. Mara Plush Travel Bag (Turquoise) BRM003 $45 l C. Viva Plush Travel Bag (Red) BRM002 $45 l D. Lola Pom-Pom Clutch (Natural) BRM005 $45 l E. Vera Palm Clutch BR001 $38 l F. Flora Peyote Necklace L003 $100 l G. Esferas Necklace L004 $25
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Trips to the farmer’s market, walks with the dog, and the perfect first purse for kids
Mercadito Tote Bag
Cachorrito Dog Leash B
ACCESSORIES | COLLECTION 2021
Accessorize the family
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A. Mercadito Tote Bag (Mint) DM001; (Navy Blue) DM002 $38 l B. Macrame Dog Leash (Dark Blue) DM007; (Teal) DM008; $25 l C. Liliana Patterned Purse (Pink) LL054 $38 l D. Rosa Patterned Purse (Dusty Rose) LL053 $38 l E. Eva Patterned Purse (Green) LL055 $38 l F. Mia Patterned Purse (Red) LL056 $38
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