Flowers of the Isthmus

In the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in southern Mexico, Zapotec women wield remarkable economic power. Heirs to a pre-hispanic matrilineal civilisation, "they are the government, the people, the guardians of men and goods", according to author Graciela Iturbide.

In the vibrant market of Juchitán, "the city of flowers" in Zapotec - women are queens, both costumers and traders, always dressed in their beautiful costumes, a central element of their indigenous identity, consisting of a petticoat - enagua -, a sleeveless embroidered top - huipil - and a headdress of fine white lace - resplandor - This outfit is a symbol of purity and strength and its used is sacred. Always set with flowers, it is completed with gold jewellery, passed down from generation to generation. In Fleurs de l'Isthme, the photographers portrays Zapotec women who have become icons of Mexican and Indigenous feminity.

The garment is placed at the center as a marker of their identity in a refined decorum that leaves plenty of room for the details of the materials and the individuality of the models. To complete the set-up, Delphine Blast uses traditional oil-cloths with floral motifs, gleaned from the market stalls of Juchitán, to frame these unique compositions, in the image of Zapotec women's outfits.