The region of southern Mexico is home to the southwest Zapotec Indians. Originating in the Oaxaca Valley over 2,500 years ago, these native people began to establish a cultural and artistic tradition that stretches from the past to the present. Their ancient city of Monte Alban still holds the clues to the heritage of the people. It is a heritage that still produces southwest artistry for any home that chooses this decor. The striking imagery and colors used by the present day artisans carries through the southwest decorating theme.
Purchasing a unique piece of Zapotec textile art is an awesome addition to your southwest decor as well as an educational and cultural experience. All of the weavings are made by hand by the talented Zapotec Indian people. When purchasing a tapestry, rug, or pillow made by southwest Zapotec Indians, you can be assured that hundreds of years of artistic heritage is behind each piece. A home or room decorated using authentic Zapotec pieces, will become a creative southwest masterpiece.
The process used by the Zapotec Indians to weave their rugs and tapestries has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. This causes the process to be slower but assures that each piece made is a work of art that is never to be duplicated. The knowledge needed to handle not only the mechanical side of weaving, but also how to design the patterns to be used is passed down from generation to generation. While many of the designs used are traditional, there is always a need for new concepts and ideas when dealing with any creative process. Master weaver families provide a premier line of woven textiles renowned for the skill with which they are created as well as their design qualities.
The Zapotec people are very dedicated to maintaining the traditional skills in their culture and pay close attention to ensure that every step in making their rugs and tapestries is followed correctly. The sheep used for the wool are descendants of those brought by the Spanish when they first landed in Mexico. After shearing, the wool is carded by hand, then spun on a spinning wheel into the thread that will be used in the weaving. After being spun into skeins, the wool still needs to be dyed and this is done in the Zapotec village, once again by hand. Once the wool has been colored to the demanding specification of the master dyer, it is hung up to be dried. Once the wool is dried, it is taken to the weavers who will turn the spools of yarn into beautiful textiles. The whole process is natural and organic from start to finish, and there can be no mistaking the quality of a rug, pillow, or tapestry made in this way. It is also good to know that by purchasing one of these southwest Zapotec Indian masterpieces that you are helping this native people to achieve self-sufficiency and independence and a measurable improvement in their lives.
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