Yucatecan handicrafts, a heritage legacy, are hanging by a thread due to piracy.
While Mérida continuously dresses up to welcome national and foreign visitors, unfair competition is undermining the foundations of this sector.
Cross-stitch dresses, hammocks, souvenirs, and other typical products are copied and sold at ridiculous prices, devaluing the work of generations of artisans, according to the producers of these items.
“In my case, we acquire our products from Mexican artisans, for example, the toys are handmade.
“We have seen that even toys are now imitations and even say ‘made in China.’ Here in Mérida, there are more than 50 Chinese and even Korean stores, where you can see similar but lower quality items,” expressed Patricia Rosado Kim, an artisan and souvenir and wooden toy merchant.
This practice creates unfair competition that confuses the consumer, especially the tourist who seeks to take home an authentic souvenir.
Piracy of Handicrafts in Yucatán: Unfair Competition and Ridiculous Prices
Blouses with imitation embroidery, which are actually screen prints, are sold at prices similar to handcrafted pieces, making it difficult for tourists to distinguish between an authentic product and an imitation.
This situation not only affects artisans but also deceives consumers and harms the local economy, as tourists, unable to distinguish between the authentic and the fake, may opt for cheaper and lower quality products.
“This one is cross-stitch and costs $400, and this one is machine-made, but still a Mexican design and costs $200 to $250 depending on the design,” expressed Melisa Tun Perera.
If we compare it with blouses from brands that imitate the design, they are almost the same price or even less.
“But you buy one in a certain store for $120 pesos similar to this blouse, yes, it’s cheap, but over time the quality will show. But it’s not just that, it also affects those who work, it affects the one who embroiders, it affects the one who gives their time and effort to make or carve what you see here.”
“People get confused with what is handmade, and the customer, losing the difference between the product, then loses the value of the artisan’s effort. Customers have come to show us garments that they were sold as 100% handmade and cheaper, but we explain to them that it is a mistake and try to make them understand and differentiate what is and is not handmade,” comments Elsy Perera Rosado while embroidering a new garment for sale.
“They no longer buy typical handmade clothes because they consider them very expensive,” expressed María del Carmen Cetina.
Mérida en Domingo and Local Markets, Fundamental for Promotion
Mérida en Domingo and local markets are fundamental pillars for the promotion and sale of Yucatecan handicrafts.
These spaces not only allow artisans to showcase their work but also foster the exchange of knowledge and experiences among producers from different municipalities.
“I have no problem with that, we all have the right to trade but yes, in a fair way. I can’t bargain my products that have cost me and my family, and if we don’t sell today, we don’t eat today; the customer must understand and value that,” expressed a keychain and Yucatecan souvenir artisan.
Yucatecan handicrafts are a source of income for thousands of families, especially in communities.
Sometimes, the large number of artisans and the lack of adequate regulation can lead to overproduction of certain products, which lowers prices and affects artisans’ incomes.
Piracy in Yucatán Devalues the Work of Artisans
Some artisans compete among themselves by offering similar products, making it difficult to differentiate and create market niches.
Additionally, the entry of similar but cheaper products from other countries devalues artisanal work and makes it difficult for local artisans to compete. The production of low-quality imitations tarnishes the reputation of authentic products and confuses consumers.
“Many artisans see their incomes reduced and have difficulty supporting their families. This discourages and leads some artisans to abandon this beautiful craft,” expressed these artisans who participate in Mérida en Domingo at Plaza Grande, inviting visitors to the state to appreciate the daily efforts of Yucatecan artisans.
Source: Diario de Yucatan
