Ancient Mesoamerica hosted one of the most transcendent civilizations that created a language, many art forms and had a prosperous economy. The Mexica civilization, who you may know as the Aztec, flourished in the center of Mexico with an abundance of trading. Traders that would travel to and from Tenochtitlan, the capital city now present day Mexico City, and far distances across Mesoamerica were called Pochteca.
The Pochteca were not only highly skilled, but also integral to the economy and cultural exchange. These merchants established routes that would take them on journeys all the way to southwest North American and to the most southern points of the gulf coast. Not only were goods traded and collected, but cultural ideas and practices were spread all across Mesoamerica. The Pochteca sometimes traders and sometimes diplomats were esteemed and recognized for their contributions to the growth and the Mexica civilization.
Orchard Rose Pochteca, established in San Jose, California, gets its name from both the region and the cultural background of the creator, Miss Witchy Spliffs. Not long before San Jose became the 10th largest city in the U.S. the land it stands on was miles and miles of orchards. Some of these orchards became abundant rose gardens. It’s this region that Miss Witchy Spliffs began traveling around to markets selling their handmade and intentionally collected goods. Miss Witchy Spliffs is a political activist, environmental advocate and often a voice within their community spreading awareness and connection.
Spliffs’ collection is much like the little mermaid, Ariel’s with a huge variety of items and something new everywhere you look. You’ll find notions of brujeria, a form of magic and healing practiced by Witchy’s abuela and generations before. Pride exists all year loud and proud in the shop and there might be too many one of a kind jewelry pieces to choose from! Enjoy wandering the assortment of joy and inspiration.
Tlazocamati. Thank you.