Comunitas

The Artisans

Comunitas works with skilled artisans; in particular artisans who have shown us exceptional welcome and quality products.  Our artisans work in trades that are traditional to the state of Oaxaca: they are dedicated to preserving traditional knowledge.  Their years of experience and innovation have resulted in constant quality of their goods and a desire to surpass previous accomplishments.

The artisans welcome guests into their workshops in order to share their passion for their art, trade and heritage.  Learning from these gifted people allows our guests to meet (and know??) an artisan and their craft; discover the beauty, history and authenticity of the communities in Oaxaca; and to enrich and add to their own culture.

What is communitas?

What is Communitas?

It is an acute point of community wherein the members share a feeling of great social equality, solidarity and togetherness that enables a reconsideration of the ways in which we act together.  It is a process where no one is marginalized and there is a common sense of purpose.  It is a transitional phase that enables societies to find dramatically different solutions for living.  Communitas is creative and transformative space.

Communitas is also a personal experience.  It is a rite of passage that produces something sacred within individuals.  Part of this sacredness is achieved through the humility learned in this transition that allows the personal experience of togetherness with others to be felt.  The group of individuals crosses a threshold collectively.

Note on spelling:

We chose the Spanish spelling of communitas as the name of the organization Comunitas.  It isn't indecisiveness or carelessness.

Founder

Anna Collins has probably been thinking around the idea of Comunitas most of her entire life.  Early on she learned from her grandparents the beauty of an assembly of people brought together, however briefly, to share and relate. 

Throughout childhood Anna was attracted to a variety of social causes and movements but was never happy with the underlying message behind many people's words and attitudes, there was a lack of fellowship among people.

She studied International Relations in Canada in an effort to focus her dedication to global harmony in a practical direction.  After vacationing in Mexico and studying in Chiapas Anna found herself devoted to the country and it's people, and continues to make Oaxaca one of her top priorities in life.   

She has often been found at the front of the lines with the loudest (and sometimes most opinionated) voice, but is also content to sit back and listen to others (who usually know better) talk a subject over.

About

Vision statement:

Comunitas conserves encourages and promotes traditional Oaxacan history and culture.

Our Mission:

To build a diverse network of artisans in the state of Oaxaca.  Through cultural exchange and educational programmes we aim to encourage traditional and indigenous skills and innovation by making their trades both lucrative and honorable.

Through open-workshop courses, guided tours and educational retreats, Comunitas aims to foster international awareness of the value of these skills and knowledge and in doing so prevent the loss and degradation of the cultural heritage of Oaxaca.

Comunitas brings together Oaxacans who have skills to teach and experiences to share with people who have a desire to learn.