Totomoxtle

Totomoxtle is a surfacing veneer for interiors and furniture made with native Mexican corn husks that are naturally colourful. The husks are flattened and glued by hand onto fibreboard and card to reinforce them. There are size limitations because of the dimensions of the average corn leaf, but small veneer sheets can be sawed or laser cut to make marquetry.

Totomoxtle is made in a partnership with indigenous farmers who have seen their way of life threatened by the introduction of genetically modified corn and the standardisation of vegetables for supermarket consumption. The project is creating local employment based on this new craft to ensure farmers can keep planting their heirloom varieties. The defence of crop diversity and the freedom to choose how we feed ourselves is not only key for preserving culinary traditions but essential for a fair, and healthy food production system for the future.