Current changes and difficulties in artisanal amber work in Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

 This article aims to analyze the difficulties faced by amber artisans from Chiapas with special attention on the marketing challenges of artisans in the municipality of Simojovel which is known as the land of amber. The approach that was used considers the economic dimension that is in intimate relationship with sociocultural, environmental and scientific aspects. Fieldwork was carried out throughout 2019 in Simojovel and other municipalities of the State of Chiapas where the resin is commercialized. The results of this research show the problems faced by amber artisans, such as intermediation; the lack of control in extraction and fair prices; the need of a global database which includes miners and artisans; an organized mobilization to defend their labour rights is also required; the participation of children and women in artisan work; difficulties based on gender and ethnic origin; occupational activities and training courses are also insufficient. We could conclude that it is absolutely necessary to take joint actions, for instance, training amber artisans and staff from organizations that work with amber as well as for the general population, it is about to acknowledge and value the remarkable work that boys, girls, men and women do within the amber trade from Chiapas.