Alfredo Zalce
Mexican, 1908 - 2003El Plantel Henequén (Henequen Plant) from Mexican People portfolio, 1946
Not on view
Lithograph on paper
Dimensions15 1/4 × 17 9/16 in. (38.7 × 44.6 cm)
Image: 11 1/8 × 13 3/4 in. (28.3 × 34.9 cm)
Gift of Mr. Jack B. Pierson, 1987.31.12
Henequen has grown in the Yucatan since the pre-Hispanic era. A versatile plant, it was an
important economic staple throughout Mexican history. Under President Porfirio Díaz, henequen was produced in haciendas that were controlled by a small number of landowners, creating a monopoly.
This print captures only one part of the long, complicated process of fiber production as the full process of preparing henequen involves hand picking, drying, and combing. Alfredo Zalce emphasizing the role of the laborer present in every stage of processing henequen provides insight into a working hacienda.
