Ayate
is a fiber woven cloth that
comes from the Maguey (agave
salminae). It is a productive
fiber has been used in the "Valle Del Mazquital" located
in the central part of Mexico
where more than four hundred
thousand people live. Ayate
has been known for its durability,
natural origins and usefulness
to natives but slowly is turning
into an international sensation.
Today, ayate is used as an
all-safe mildew resistant body
exfoliator, designed to last
up to about a year. Currently
there is a market for up to
3000 ayates (one square foot)
per month on the West Coast
of the United States alone.
Maguey is predominately used
in Mexico as a resource that
provides natives over 100 different
products of which include clothing,
food, medicine, firewood, furniture,
and soap. The importance of the Maguey has prevailed through time and has become
a dominant source of income for these natives. Once the Maguey is at a mature
state, which can take up to ten years, the ayate fiber then can be extracted
along with other resources the Maguey is used for. The process of making Ayate
is extravagant, labor-intensive and can take up to two to four days to complete.
But because of the high demand for the resources that lay within the Maguey,
it leaves little time for growth and ability to cultivate these plants. Body
Crystal 's main purpose is to represent indigenous countries by distributing
these products and protecting the "Valle Del Mazquital," as well as its people. |