Preserving Tradition: Guillermo Pisté's Journey to Becoming a Grand Master of Mexican Folk Art

Today I ventured out to meet some of the artisans in the town of Dzitya, Yucatan where for generations most townspeople are craftsmen and women working with wood, stone and making traditional taffy-like candy called “dulce de melcocha”.

As I walked into the workshop and store front of Guillermo Pisté, he greeted me with a warm and welcoming smile. Visiting people in the small towns of this state is always such a treat. The people lovingly invite me in and share their story with me in a leisurely, relaxed and endearing way. Time seems to stop and the sounds you hear are passing by trucks and the humming of the blades of a dusty standing fan. I arrived sweaty, a bit disheveled from driving in my VW bug with the windows down, and with dulce de melcocha on my face. Luckily, I was able to sit down, gather my thoughts as he offered me cold water and started telling me his fascinating story of how he learned his craft and became one of the Grand Masters of Folkart of Mexico.

Guillermo Pisté is a distinguished craftsman from a family with a long tradition in woodworking, carrying on a legacy that dates back many generations. His grandparents and great-grandparents were skilled artisans, working with wood since the early days of their town. Today, this rich tradition continues in their community.

Pisté began his career working with larger and more precious woods such as ciricote, huayacán, cedar, tzalá, and jabín, all native to the Yucatán Peninsula. Dzitya, the town where he resides, is renowned for its talented woodworkers and turners. Despite the presence of many skilled artisans, Pisté distinguishes himself through his unique approach to woodworking and finishes. He strives for excellence by selecting the finest pieces of wood and aiming for innovation in his creations.

This dedication and craftsmanship have earned him national recognition as one of the Grand Masters of Mexican Folk Art, an honor bestowed by the cultural foundation of CitiBanamex. His journey to this accolade began when municipal government workers, who were familiar with his exceptional work, transitioned to roles within Banamex. Recognizing his talent, they invited him to participate in various events, eventually leading to an interview and his inclusion in the prestigious book of Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art. This recognition was an unexpected honor for Pisté, who never imagined being featured in the 2020 edition of the book. The national general manager of Banamex visited his workshop, observing his meticulous craftsmanship, and expressed pride in including him among the Great Masters.

Visitors can explore Guillermo Pisté’s craft shop located at the corner of 19th and 16th Street, the main thoroughfare entering the city. The shop showcases his exquisite and collectable work with select woods and specialty items such as vessel pieces, fruit bowls, and decorative items. Additionally, Pisté invites everyone to visit the 2024 Tunich Fair, an annual event in their town, where his unique and exquisite woodwork will be on display.