Leocadia Cruz Gómez (born December 9, 1929) also known as "Tía Cayita", is a Mexican artisan from Cosoleacaque, Veracruz. Of Nahua descent, she is known for her experience with the pre-Hispanic backstrap loom weaving technique ().
Life.
She began learning to weave at the age of eight under her mother's guidance. When she was seventeen, she begun teaching her looming craft to others.
Her work includes traditional garments such as sashes (), underskirts (), embroidered blouses, shawls (), jorongos, sarapes, purses, priestly stoles and tablecloths with geometric figures. Her work is part of the collections of the Institute of Anthropology at the Universidad Veracruzana and the Banco Nacional de México. She was featured on a special edition of the journal Arqueología Mexicana. Her work has been exported to the United States, Spain, París and Rome.
Besides her work as an artist, Leocadia has also advocated for cultural education. The lack of raw materials in the region has led to the backstrap loom technique being practiced by only a few artisans, mostly women. She has taught over 1,300 students through workshops organized by institutions like the Asociación de Amigos del Museo de Arte Popular, the National Institute for Social Development (), and the Unidad Regional Acayucan de Culturas Populares. She also works with local institutions, such as the regularly classes she gives at the DIF center in Cosoleacaque, Veracruz.
In 2006, the Mexican Government gave recognition to her work and efforts to sustain and promote indigenous textile traditions, honoring Leocadia with the National Prize for Arts and Sciences in the category of Arts and Popular Traditions. The prize is the highest distinction the federal government awards to individuals.
She founded the Nigan Tonogue Cultural Center () in 2006, in Cosoleacaque, Veracruz. The name means 'Here we are' in Nahuatl.
Awards and recognition.
Leocadia has received various recognitions and awards, including: