The Store
We have heard that the extravagantly colorful folk art tradition that exists in Mexico today developed from the efforts of one priest in the 1700’s who, in an effort to alleviate poverty, introduced the people to craft making. From him sprang the many varied artesanias that thrive in Mexico today—such as handwoven wool, embroidery, ceramics, metalwork, carved wood, and leatherwork—among others.
From our first visit to this country back in 1979, we were in awe of the relentless creativity of the people of Mexico. Because of this fascination and a desire to see these people flourish, we at Rancho Jixhil want to expand the market of these small craft workshops and expose the world to the rich handwork almost forgotten in many societies awash with manufactured goods from China.
Another goal of ours is to form a more synergistic relationship with our surrounding community. By using Fair Trade practices and modern connections we hope to create an interdependent network where everyone wins.
Jixhil Bags
The state of Chiapas is certainly no exception to the Mexican tradition of artisanias. Leatherwork is one of the predominate crafts practiced in our community of Jixhil which reflects a vibrant cottage industry of saddleries and leather workshops existing in the larger Comitan area. Individual craftsmen working in their home workshops buy a few hides at a time from community farmers who raise small numbers of mostly grass fed cattle. Crafting products on this scale, which can be used and enjoyed for many years, fits our concept of sustainability—a way of life we’ve come to call “non-wasteful abundance.”
The leather artisans in our area use methods that are generations old and remind us of leather goods that might have been made in the old American West. The existence of imperfections in the raw leather and handwork is key to their rustic beauty. Because they utilize what they have, there is less metal and machine stitching, and more leather and wood used in the making of joinery and closures. For instance, seams are often made by weaving leather straps through openings, a level of handwork seldom seen these days.
Each bag is unique—a creation of the artist—and each has a timeless (mostly unisex) styling which, through the years, will serve its user well with only simple repairs, if any, required from a local shoe shop. Another bonus in having a Jixhil Bag made of saddle leather is that, with wear, its character and beauty only improves.
Ordering
To place your order, click the image of the product you want, then click 'Order it!' on the next screen. Alternatively, you may place your order by e-mailing us through our contact form. Be sure to include the name of the style bag you want, the quantity, and the price. We will email you back with the total cost including tax and shipping.