The Iconic Traditional Dress & Proud Spirit Of Las Mujeres Tehuanas

Photos by remarkable photographer Diego Huerta, who captures the beauty and spirit of Mexico's indigenous people.

El traje Tehuana is one of the most celebrated and iconic traditional dresses of Mexico.

Las mujeres Tehuanas are Zapotec, "people of the clouds", an indigenous culture of Oaxaca. Specifically, las Tehuanas are a matriarchal society based in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which means "wild animal hill", a name given to the region by the Aztecs in honor of the fierce Zapotec warriors.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diego Huerta (@diegohuertaphoto) on Aug 11, 2018 at 8:20am PDT

Tehuana women are famously independent. Women exclusively run the local marketplaces, which offer textiles, handmade jewelry, folk art, and even iguana tamales. 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Shunaxhi stine' #oaxaca #instaoaxaca #guelaguetza #istmo #tehuana #bordado #mujeresdeoaxaca #azul #añil #niltepec #igersoaxaca #encaje #oro #gold #bordado #flores

A post shared by J U A N V A L E N C I A (@guajolotes_con_anteojos) on Sep 19, 2018 at 9:38am PDT

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diego Huerta (@diegohuertaphoto) on Aug 29, 2017 at 10:01am PDT

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca. - Resplandor Iguana. - Yes, this is México.

A post shared by Diego Huerta (@diegohuertaphoto) on Aug 17, 2017 at 11:56am PDT

Traditional Tehuana dress consists of a shirt, called a huipil, a full skirt, and, for special occasions, a large white headdress called a resplandor.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Que la Virgen te creí...!!! #istmo #oaxaca #llorona #hupil #blonda #mexico #retrato #mujeresdemexico #mujer #tehuana #instaistmo #ByN

A post shared by J U A N V A L E N C I A (@guajolotes_con_anteojos) on Aug 23, 2018 at 7:53pm 

The huipil and skirt are known for their vibrant colors and exquisite floral and geometric embroidery.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Ixtepec, Istmo de Tehuantepec , Oaxaca. _ I do not celebrate this day, but I will celebrate the following 364 to the mothers. Because on day is not enough. _ No les celebro este día, pero les celebraré los siguientes 364 a las mamás. Por qué un día no es suficiente.

A post shared by Diego Huerta (@diegohuertaphoto) on May 10, 2018 at 10:41am PDT

Tehuanas wear their hair in braids adorned with ribbons and flowers.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

She's my old friend Nisaguie. We've known each other for a lifetime. - Ella es mi vieja amiga Nisaguie. Nos conocemos de toda la vida.

A post shared by Diego Huerta (@diegohuertaphoto) on Aug 4, 2017 at 6:49am PDT

And the outfit is not complete without an elaborate choker made of coins and gold filigree.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Guelaguetza. Oaxaca, México.

A post shared by Diego Huerta (@diegohuertaphoto) on Jul 29, 2018 at 3:30pm PDT

The most famous Tehuana is Juana Cata, head of Porfirio Díaz's intelligence and his lover of 40 years. 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

Traditional Tehuana bride.

A post shared by Diego Huerta (@diegohuertaphoto) on May 15, 2017 at 6:17pm PDT

But perhaps the most famous wearer of the Tehuana traje is Frida Kahlo, whose mother was born and raised in Oaxaca.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

"Autorretrato". (1948) #FridaKahlo #Art #Painter #Mexico #Legend #Painting #Artist #Instagram

A post shared by Frida Kahlo (@fridakahlo) on Oct 7, 2018 at 5:41am PDT

The stunning style and proud spirit of the Tehuana endures, representative of the vibrancy of Mexico's indigenous roots.

CLICK HERE to check out Diego Huerta's work on Instagram for more amazing photos of Mexico's indigenous people and traditions.