Mexico: The María doll: from street vendor to international icon

[TomSea]

The María doll: from street vendor to international icon
How an indigenous support program created a successful commercial product
By Leigh Thelmadatter  Published on Monday, April 6, 2020


Lele, a giant-sized María doll that has traveled the world to promote Mexican tourism.

Smiling along with her sisters in markets and on street vendors’ stands is the “María” doll. She is readily identified by her wide face, hair braided with multicolored ribbons, and a vaguely indigenous dress.

Now a symbol of Mexico found in tourist promotions all over the world, she has a surprising but unknown backstory.

The doll is strongly tied to the Otomí people of Amealco municipality in southern Querétaro, a few hours northwest of Mexico City. She is big business, with over 500 workshops employing about 70% of the people here. The Otomí, the municipality and the state have promoted the dolls, leading most to believe that she originated here.

Read more at: https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexicolife/maria-doll-from-street-vendor-to-international-icon/