Five Handcrafts You Can Find in Campeche

There are pieces you can find throughout the Yucatán Peninsula — hammocks, ceramics, colorful embroidery — but especially across the state of Campeche, where original crafts are a clear expression of its living Mayan culture.

Craftsmanship is an important source of income for families in municipalities such as Hopelchén, Calkiní, Carmen, Champotón, Hecelchakán and Tenabo. Visiting and acquiring these treasures contributes to a better life for artisan families. The crafts are easily found in shops, boutiques, cultural centers and ateliers in the city, and also in the communities where they are made.

1. Panama-style hats. Made from jipi palm, they are one of the region's most representative crafts. They are created in towns such as Becal, Santa Cruz, Tankuché and San Nicolás. The palm must be woven while humid, so hats and baskets are made by families inside caves that keep the fiber soft.
2. Tepakán pottery. Known for its beautiful pieces, it shows its pre-Hispanic heritage in style and technique. The clay work of this region is created by Mayan artisans whose know-how is passed down through generations.
3. Embroidery. A craft preserved by women across the state. Distinctive styles include the xooc bi chuy, or cross stitch; black-on-white designs for traditional dresses and blouses; and colorful straps on black natural fabrics, using silk or linen thread.
4. Hammocks. Characterized by their tight, even weave, they are made from local natural fibers — cotton and henequen — on wooden frames. Hammocks are part of daily life in Campeche, used as beds throughout history.
5. Horn, shell and wood. In communities such as Champotón, Escárcega, Palizada and Isla Aguada, pieces are crafted from bull horn, seashells, fish scales and carved wood: delicate jewelry, miniature shell boats and carved kitchenware are just a few examples.