By. Aiyla Avila

 

In the heart of Mexico, amid scenic hills and streets paved with semiprecious stones, lies a hidden treasure that has captivated travelers and artists for generations. San Miguel de Allende, designated as a Magical Town, is not only a tourist destination but a true haven of magic that reveals itself in every corner of its enchanting streets. With a rich history, a vibrant artistic scene, and a social fabric reflecting Mexican authenticity, San Miguel de Allende is the most beautiful small city in the world, according to the prestigious recognition of the Readers Records Awards.

In this article, we delve into the unique essence of this town, exploring the magic that emanates from its people, crafts, and arts, discovering why San Miguel de Allende has become an unparalleled treasure on the global stage. In this journey through time and tradition, we will discuss the Magical Toys of San Miguel that stand as a vibrant testimony to the rich cultural heritage of the Mazahuas and how their perfected dolls from the conquest era hold a transcendent meaning; these toys are not merely objects of entertainment but authentic works of art that narrate stories of cultural resilience and unparalleled creativity.

The intrinsic magic of these Magical Toys has woven a narrative that transcends the tangible, connecting the past palpably with the present. In ancient Mesoamerica, a burial practice reveals the special bond between children and their toys: they were buried alongside them. The deep-rooted belief held that these toys would play a protective role for the soul, shielding it from malevolent spirits and energies during its journey to the afterlife.

Archaeological discoveries, such as the small figurines of rolling animals found in Guerrero, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Michoacán, and the Valley of Mexico, provide concrete evidence that Mesoamerica shared advanced practices similar to those of pre-Columbian European peoples. These toys, often considered magical, reveal an intrinsic connection between cultures separated by vast geographical and temporal distances.

In this context, magical little dolls, such as the Quitapenas, the Marías, and the Lupitas, share a common past that dates back to ancestral beliefs in protection and spiritual transcendence. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these artisanal figures encapsulate a cultural continuity in their shapes and colors that resonates from ancient burial rituals to the hands of skilled contemporary artisans.

In this historical context, it is crucial to highlight the transformation in the toy manufacturing process, from the creation in red clay to the development of charming little dolls dressed in ribbons of colors, rainbow skirts, and elegant braids, crafted by the Mazahuas. This indigenous group, whose migration from the south to the center of Mexico occurred during the Spanish conquest, has managed to preserve its culture through dances and oral traditions, resulting from the fusion of Chichimecas and Toltecas.

The Marías dolls emerged as a more affordable option compared to imported porcelain dolls from Spain, intended for indigenous girls. Beyond being toys, these dolls also serve as guardians of the soul, while the Quitapenas, other little dolls, become confidantes to whom you share your worries before bedtime. After confiding in them, you give them a kiss and place them under your pillow so that they can take away your concerns. It is crucial to emphasize that, like the evolution of these dolls over time, the rights of the Mazahuas have also undergone transformations, facing numerous injustices, including exploitation by Diego Rivera's daughter.

However, this time, we focus on very special rag dolls, with diverse stories and discrepancies in their origins. According to one version, Guadalupe Rivera, daughter of Diego Rivera, witnessed an act of authority abuse against a Mazahua woman during a stroll in Toluca. This experience led her to design a doll that would allow these women to create a unique product in the tranquility of their homes, reflecting the reality of Mexican women with the colorful joy characteristic of Mexico, expressed in the clothes and ribbons of their yarn hair.

Guadalupe Rivera established a factory to help the Mazahuas, where improved techniques were implemented. However, over time, production became more industrialized, leading to consequences for the Mazahuas. The factory, instead of being an initiative focused on the well-being of indigenous women, became more oriented towards sales and was unfair to the women workers. Although the factory closed, the little dolls continue to be sold traditionally on the streets of San Miguel, where authenticity and cultural connection persist, reminding us of the importance of preserving the roots and the essence of these unique creations.

These little dolls have a history that goes beyond the incredible; on the one hand, their evolution grew hand in hand with the rights of the Mazahuas. These charming little dolls, with their colorful ribbons, rainbow skirts, and elegant braids, have transcended their status as toys to become symbols of empowerment and rights for indigenous communities.

Thus, the Marías are not only bearers of magic in the traditional sense but also symbolize a kind of magic that has propelled the creation of rights and recognition for indigenous communities. These Magical Toys, with their embroidered details and glue-free construction, become living testimonies of a deep connection with the land and culture, transcending the barriers of time, and who knows, they might bring magic and blessings with them as well.

In this context, the magic of the Marías manifests not only in the aesthetics of their clothing and the skill of their creators but also in the social change they represent. Each María, with her vibrant colors and unique charm, contributes to weaving a story that goes beyond the visual, reaching the very essence of tradition and cultural identity. So, on your next visit to the center of San Miguel de Allende, don't forget your María.

 

Thank you for reading this story that I have had the pleasure of sharing with you! I hope you loved it.

 

Sincerely, 

Your real estate agent.