The Oaxaca government has demanded that the international clothing company Shein immediately withdraw garments that reproduce traditional designs from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, citing misappropriation of the cultural riches of its communities.
The Oaxaca Secretariat of Culture and the Arts denounced the sale of clothing that imitates Isthmus artisanal embroidery, a practice deemed cultural exploitation and violating the heritage rights of indigenous peoples. The official statement also calls for respectful dialogue with the affected communities.
The state statement emphasizes that the designs in question, found on huipiles and petticoats, have profound symbolic and historical value. The government emphasizes that these garments are emblems of identity that have emerged over centuries and contain elements that champion female empowerment, resistance to colonization, and the celebration of everyday life.
Several models have been replicated.
Oaxacan authorities attached a photograph of the model sold by Shein and vendor Danny C&R. The official text maintains that the appropriation of these elements without proper authorization or acknowledgment of their origin represents a form of exploitation that impacts the communities of the Isthmus both economically and symbolically. “These designs are more than simple ornamental patterns; they are the living soul of our culture, woven with threads of history and resistance,” states the document cited by the media.
This is not the only recent case.
This incident occurs shortly after the case reported with Adidas. A few weeks ago, the German company was accused of launching a model of athletic footwear inspired by Zapotec huaraches, without requesting permission or publicly acknowledging the origin of its design. After the community protest, Adidas apologized and acknowledged the Zapotec authorship in a gesture that set a precedent for the defense of the textile heritage of Indigenous peoples.
The Oaxaca Government Accused
In its statement, the Oaxaca government warned that the region’s textiles cannot be treated as industrial and temporary products, but are the result of traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation. Each piece represents the continuity of artisanal manufacturing vital to the local economy and the social fabric of these communities.
The state’s demand on Shein, in this case, includes ceasing all promotion, sale, and circulation of garments using Isthmus embroidery, as well as creating avenues for redress for the affected communities. The government emphasized that these textiles preserve ancestral techniques “and embody the collective spirit of our communities.”
Several models have been replicated.
The controversy reignited the national debate on cultural appropriation and the rights of Indigenous peoples to their identity elements. The Oaxaca government urged both national and international brands to recognize the economic and symbolic value of these products and to refrain from plagiarism practices that could lead to direct harm to Indigenous communities.
Follow-up to these types of cases has been growing in recent years, following multiple reports of appropriation of indigenous symbols, textiles, and visual languages by global brands. The Oaxacan government’s statement joins a broader effort to promote not only legal protection but also cultural recognition of collective rights over the tangible and intangible heritage of the peoples of Mexico.
Company responds to accusations
After news of the Oaxacan government’s displeasure spread, Shein contacted Infobae Mexico to clarify the situation, responding to the authorities’ requests and, above all, to the concerns of local artisans, for whom they expressed their respect:
“SHEIN members, including those dedicated to design and manufacturing, must comply with company policies and certify that their products do not infringe the intellectual property of third parties. The product in question was immediately removed from our platform. We will continue to invest in and improve our processes to detect and prevent infringements. We reaffirm our respect for local artisans in Mexico and around the world, recognizing the importance of their work,” the multinational explained.
Source: infobae
