Heritage Arts

Artisans beyond Borders embroider mantas, also known as servilletas, and then border the cloth with crochet tejido de gancho. Hand-stitched mantas are often passed down generationally in the family. 

Mantas are traditionally used for wrapping “swaddling” tortillas, bread, and other foodstuffs for one’s family, to keep food fresh and warm. The cloth is used as a "satchel,"  an excellent alternative to plastic wrap. Artisans Beyond Border’s bordados are stitched on %100 cotton Manta cloth, the traditional cloth of Mexico with origins dating back to the Aztec empire. Manta cloth is 100% natural unbleached organic cotton providing thermal insulation and perfect breathability.

Many mantas become cherished table centerpieces. They can also be devotional. 

“When I was coming to the United States, the first thing I bring with me was a little bordado, a tablecloth I lay down for my prayerful space. Wherever I move, I take that with me because it reminds me where I come from.” 

Laura Santos, Sister of the Holy Cross

Artisans Beyond Borders, Asylum seekers waiting at the port of entry, offer us their handcraft, a piece of themselves for our homes. In friendship and respect, we support and welcome them. 

RESCUING HEIRLOOMS IN THE SAND
2004 - 2020

From 2004, when we borderland residents began to find exquisite embroideries left behind in the desert south of Tucson ~ "Heirlooms in the Sand," with smart feminine sensibilities in each stitch ~ we vowed to find a way to bring attention and respect to the makers. Now, in 2020, we have the opportunity to directly help these vulnerable families using the healing power of creativity to restore grace and agency through the work of the hands, solidarity among the artisans, and respect for cultural and familial arts across borders.