Transformations of Traditions

The article “Textiles, Maya and Tourists in Mexico: Transformations of Traditions and Realities of Life yesterday, today and tomorrow” is published in German.

First we ask what is ‘tradition’? How do science, museums and tourism industry present Maya textile tradition? In how far are recent traditions and realities of life a theme? Which viewpoints do exist?

An overview on former textile and dress traditions is given. Then the focus is put on connections between tourism and Maya textile traditions and realities of life. What are recent transformations like? Which are their causes? Some examples are discussed as the analysis of textile production, design, marketing and consumption offers information. Cultural change is traced for different groups in this ethnic group.

Huse; Birgitta: Textilien, Maya-Indianer und Touristen in Mexiko: Transformationen von Traditionen und Lebenswirklichkeiten gestern, heute und morgen. In: Mentges, Gabriele (Hg.): Kulturanthropologie des Textilen. Berlin. 2005. S. 341-363

Title translation:

Huse, Birgitta (2005) “Textiles, Maya and Tourists in Mexico: Transformations of Traditions and Realities of Life yesterday, today and tomorrow” in Mentges, Gabriele (ed)(2005) Cultural Anthropology of Textiles (Berlin: edition ebersbach), pp. 341-363