Huave, San Mateo del Mar in Mexico

Introduction / History

Legend says the Huaves came to Mexico from Nicaragua, Central America, over 3000 years ago. They clashed with the local Mixe population, which moved to the mountains. Then the Zapotecs and Mexica (Aztecs) pushed the Huave to the coast where the Huave Zone is located on a peninsula formed by the Gulf of Tehuantepec and the Pacific Ocean on the southeastern coast of Oaxaca, near the Port of Salina Cruz. Besides the coastal areas, the Huave people live in low forested hills, pastures and swamps. In 2017, an 8.2 earthquake left some houses flooded. The people complain of post-earthquake neglect by the state and federal governments. In 2020, election squabbles led to clashes with nearby towns. This led the state government to intervene and invalidate the election.

The Huave people have many subgroups divided by location and dialect. One of these is the San Mateo del Mar Huave. They are an aging population and many younger people are leaving their traditional communities.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The San Mateo del Mar Huave’s primary livelihood is fishing. They also are involved in traditional agriculture activities.

San Mateo del Mar Huave women are known for weaving white cotton cloths with many brightly colored geometric figures. They use these for wrapping tortillas, putting them under their market products, or for decorating their home altars. Every year since 1970, a textile competition has been held in San Mateo del Mar, challenging women to make the biggest and most beautiful cloth. Some winners are women whose cloth covered entire tables, were round or round, or double-sided. A handcrafts union wants to introduce San Mateo del Mar Huave woven clothes into a commercial item. Among their best back strap loom weavers is internationally known Francisca Palafox Herran.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of Huaves call themselves Catholic, but they do not practice their doctrinal beliefs. In addition, many practice traditional indigenous religion. They have religious brotherhoods. Their faith is in their dead ancestors, to whom they bring fruit and offerings for daily blessings.

God has been blessing the Huaves, but even so, there are still thousands who have not yet put their faith entirely in Christ. Many have also come to Christ, and today, the San Mateo del Mar Huave have the chance to take the only savior to the less-reached peoples of Oaxaca.

What Are Their Needs?

The struggle with alcoholism is one of the biggest challenges facing the Huave de San Mateo del Mar people. They need a stable local government that meets the needs of the people. they also need earthquake relief and repair.

Prayer Points

Pray for many dramatic conversions of Huave de San Mateo del Mar Huave people who need to be freed from alcoholism and spirit worship.
Pray that established Huave churches will keep growing and taking Christ to other villages.
Pray that many will be drawn to Jesus in such a way they will embrace him no matter the cost.
Pray for Huave de San Mateo del Mar Huave disciples who will make more disciples.
Pray for a movement of God's Spirit among them.

Text Source:   Joshua Project