Y'Amigo Seashells

The richness of Yucatán is manifested in a variety of ways; its cultural history and natural treasures are just some of the ways. The natural treasures provide the Yucatecan people with the raw materials that allow them to develop their creativity.

In the specific case of the coast and beaches, the sea delivers invaluable gifts that are known for their beauty. It takes a special person with patience and an artist’s sensitivity to appreciate the beauty in the smallest of things. Thanks to this sensibility and their dedication, they are able to take the beautiful seashells they find on the beaches during their daily walks and turn them into incredible works of art. With these treasures they create unique useful products.

Y’Amigo is a co-op of women who live and work in Chicxulub port. Their goal is to create handcraft pieces that are not only attractive but also useful. When the co-op project first started their priorities were: to help the coastal communities, have harmony between the natural environment and the community while working a sustainable project, teach the artisans quality control to provide high quality products, integrate the families in the production of the crafts and above all, generate economical incomes for the families.

The group dynamics start with each artisan taking daily walks on the beach looking for and collecting both whole and broken seashells that Mother Nature has so generously left on the beaches. With great creativity and their manual dexterity, they then convert these bits and bobs of shells into useful objects that will attract shoppers of all tastes who will want their crafts.

When you visit the co-op shop on Calle 21 No. 38 between 16 and 18 in Chicxulub Puerto you will find a wide variety of products to choose from. You will find things to decorate your home such as the popular seashell spheres that come in a variety of sizes, the attractive mobiles that are great in corners, and the Virgins made with seashells and papier mache. You will also find practical soap dishes, attractive stirring spoons, toothpicks for appetizers and magnets for the fridge.

Because of their high quality, unique products, Y’Amigo has received prizes and awards from the government. And the fact that both local and foreign visitors buy their products, gives the co-op the energy and vision to continue with their mission and goals, while helping their families’ economies.

GRUPO ARTESANAL Y'AMIGO

Calle 23 No. 35 x 14 y 16, Chicxulub Puerto (Tuesday and Thursday 4 pm - 8 pm), Cel. 044 9991 112 800.

Plaza Palmeras, Calle 30 No. 339 local 9, Col. San Ramón Norte, Mérida (Monday to Friday 9 am - 8 pm, Saturday 9 to 6), 948 2700. 

Email: yamigo.maya@gmail.com

Web: www.yamigo.com.mx