XXXVII 86, Dia de los Muertos, Oaxaca, Mexico 2017 The Zapotecs were once one of the most important civilizations in the region. Today around a million people belong to this cultural group. Zapotec women in the Istmo de Tehuantepec region are known as Tehuanas. The Tehuana group has a matriarchal structure, and the women are known for their colourful huipil dresses embroidered with flowers. Nowadays these dresses are mainly worn on special occasions such as weddings and festivals.