The Use of Cyperus canus J. Presl as Raw Material for Handicrafts in Tabasco
Abstract
This paper explores the use of Cañita by artisans of Nacajuca, Tabasco, Mexico to elaborate commercial crafts. This plant occurs naturally, but its demand by artisans has increased, which could lead to the gradual extinction of wild populations. The aim of this study is to provide introductory information on Cañita (C. canus): botanical description, agricultural production and artisanal use. The conclusion is that despite the economic and agronomic advantages of this plant, the system of artisanal production and the socio cultural environment of the families that work with it do not contribute to the sustainability of the production of Cañita, which is the limiting factor for the production processes related to commercial tourism and the capacity of artisans to make long-term decisions.
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Introduction
Handicrafts are decorative and utilitarian objects which integrate economic, social and cultural aspects that reflect the worldview of indigenous peoples [24]. These decorative objects play multiple roles: some indigenous groups elaborate handicrafts for the needs of the "uses and cu stoms" of their ethnic group, while others elaborate handicrafts to fulfill domestic needs and those of a tourist market. Within the uses and customs of different ethnic groups, handicrafts may have ceremonial use, they can be used as symbols, as art objects for everyday use, for ritual or sumptuary use. Commercial handicrafts compete with industrial products made in production lines with sophisticated processes. A common raw material for handicrafts is the plant called Cañita (Cyperus canus J. Presl and C. Presl). This plant material is known in other places as "tule negro" or "tule de petate"; the core of the stem is extracted, and is called "metate" or heart [8]. Cañita is used for making handicrafts such as "petates", mainly, but also baskets, bags, tablecloths, tortilla warmers, mats, hats and various figures of birds and characters depicting everyday images taken from the immediate and common environment of the artisans[1]. In the municipality of Nacajuca, in the state of Tabasco, artisans use Cañita as raw material for making commercial handicrafts[16] . The intensive use of this plant, and the lack of knowledge about how to manage its agricultural production, could cause the gradual extinction of wild populations[21]. This study aimed to contribute to the understanding of family workshops in which tourism serves as a driving force for cooperation between groups without business and agricultural experience, in order to establish community intervention guidelines for the creation of jobs and local development models[8]. Given the importance of Cañita, artisans of the municipality of Nacajuca, Tabasco try to cultivate it using empirical methods, without any technical support[5]. The aim of this study is to provide introductory information on Cañita (C. canus): its botanical description, importance, agricultural production and artisanal use.
Conclusion
The cultivation of Cañita among Chontal populations of Nacajuca, Tabasco, has changed rapidly in recent years; it has been affected by livestock grazing and the geographical proximity of the main Chontal settlements to the state capital and oil production oil areas, all of which has accelerated the loss of population of this plant. This study found that the producers of Cañita in Nacajuca are not organized and do not employ adequate agronomic management methods for the production of their raw material and the marketing of their products. This research was an agronomic study of the use and production of Cañita. This study contributes to increase the knowledge of this plant species, which can be used at different educational levels by artisans of the region studied.