Mexica = (Meh-she-ka) the true name of the Aztecs

The people of Tenochtitlan did not refer to themselves as "aztec".  They were the Mexica (meh-she-ka).

Tiahui = (Tee-ow-wee) to move forward with your heart

The literal meaning of the word "tiahui" is a big movement, similar to an earthquake.  But I've come to understand that the biggest movement you can make, is the one you make with your heart.

Our ultimate goal is to facilitate INDIGENOUS RECLAMATION within our communities.

Guided by Heart, Forged by Heritage

A detribalized Nahua-Mexica Two-Spirit Xicana owned and operated apparel company on a mission to increase the knowledge of our beautiful rich culture. Every one of our exclusive designs comes with a printed or digital legend about the artwork on each piece of apparel in an attempt to keep these stories and concepts alive.

My ultimate goal is to spark a passion for the knowledge of our ancestors culture in a new generation and turn this into a renewed confidence in ourselves and our culture as a whole.

I would also like to sustain the interest that exists in our communities in the Nahua-Mexica culture and give individuals attempting to keep the traditions alive another resource for apparel.  

It is important also to say that these symbols are not deities.  Unfortunately, the majority of the information that we have in present day exists in the codices that the very colonizers who tried to erase us wrote.  Their limited viewpoints saw the spiritual practices of the Mexica and tried to fit that into a context that they could understand.  The Mexica did not worship deities, they recognized them as energies that made up our universe. These energies are sacred to our community, so they should be treated as such.

When I was 12 years old my uncle sparked an interest in me to learn more about my indigenous roots.  I'm sure he never imagined that all these years later, that interest would turn into a business.  If he was alive today, I know he would be my biggest supporter.  

This company has been years in the making.  From that day so long ago when my uncle first told me stories of the Mexica, and all the time in between that I spent doubting what I was capable of, it has finally materialized.  This isn't a big fancy company, more like a one woman show.  I started with not much more than a few dollars in my pocket and my living room as my warehouse.

I have hopes and dreams just like anyone else.  Dreams of a movement towards that reclamation of our indigenous spirituality.  Goals of what can be accomplished within the community here in the Bay Area and beyond.  THIS IS NOT JUST ANOTHER APPAREL COMPANY.  There is meaning and intention behind every decision I make, every line I physically draw, every legend I do my best to interpret.  May the love show in the details.

So please read the legends that are included with each order.  Collect them, share them, frame them.  I hope that you not only connect with the art visually, but also on a spiritual level.  Keep the tradition of oral storytelling alive, when someone asks you about the design, you will be well prepared to share stories from our indigenous roots with others.

Thank you for choosing Mexica Tiahui, where every detail is crafted with love and intention.

R.I.P Tio Phil

Mexica Tiahui!

All images and designs are under copyright © 2022 Mexica Tiahui Clothing Co.