Abstract

LUGO-MORIN, Diosey Ramón; RAMIREZ-JUAREZ, Javier; NAVARRO-GARZA, Hermilio  and  ESTRELLA-CHULIM, Néstor Gabriel. Ethno-competition in the Mitla textile handicraft system; the role of territory and innovation. Econ. soc. territ [online]. 2008, vol.8, n.28, pp.981-1006. ISSN 2448-6183.

In this paper we analyse the textile handicraft production of the central valleys in Oaxaca, Mexico. We consider the territory as a factor that contributes to the social competition associated to the ethno-linguistic Zapotec group. We identified how tradition and cultural values give a non-tangible quality to the handicraft production. This is what we mean in this paper by social etho-competition. It is indeed this form of competition which, in order to face the challenges of the market, has generated several technical innovations to complement and strengthen the inclusive social reproduction strategies in the family and the territory.

Keywords : territorial competition; textile handicraft; ethno-competition; innovation.