The state of Chiapas recently celebrated the inauguration and award ceremony of the XXVIII State Amber Contest 2026, an event that successfully surpassed previous participation expectations. Organized by the Chiapas Institute of Handcrafts, this annual competition seeks to recognize the exceptional talent of local artisans while actively preserving pre-Hispanic carving techniques, raw material usage, and cultural iconography unique to the region.
This year’s edition featured a total of 82 original artworks, marking a significant increase in both the number of participants and the municipalities represented. Out of the submitted pieces, 71 were created by adults—comprising 28 women and 43 men—while 11 works were meticulously crafted by children and teenagers, highlighting a promising generational handover in this traditional craft. Artisans from historically renowned municipalities such as Simojovel de Allende, Chiapa de Corzo, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, and Tuxtla Gutiérrez participated in the event, with Ocozocoautla joining the prestigious competition for the very first time.
A total of 350,000 pesos was distributed among 33 distinct awards across five main categories: amber carving, amber jewelry, innovation, grand masters, and a special youth category. During the ceremony, local authorities emphasized the critical importance of fostering interest among younger generations. Engaging youth in amber craftsmanship not only preserves an essential economic activity but also safeguards the historical memory, cultural identity, and artistic legacy of Chiapas.
The cultural event concluded with a strong acknowledgment of the judging panel and the participating craftsmen, whose dedication continues to position Chiapas amber on both national and international stages. The remarkable turnout and high-quality submissions reaffirm the state’s enduring position as a global epicenter for amber artistry and cultural preservation.
Source: https://chiapas.quadratin.com
