Amate Paper Culture in San Pablito, Pahuatlán, Puebla, Mexico

Abstract

Amate paper is the results of artisan family labor in San Pablito, in the Otomi indigenous community, Pahuatlán, Mexico. It is a product of pre-Columbian origin, and its production continues today through the transmission of their culture in local families. Its manufacture requires bark fibers from jonote trees. The promotion of tourism transformed artisanal crafts into merchandise and increased demand. As well, it promoted problems with environmental contamination and a high dependence on business intermediaries. In analyzing such production, indicators of sustainability were considered to be social, economic, and environmental. Results show that the primary income generating activity in the community is making amate paper, which preserves continuity in the transmission of ancestral artisanal knowledge. Yet, sustainability of production is low due to excessive use of natural resources, the use of chemicals in the production process, and poor community organization.