Teotitlan del Valle - Oaxacan Rugs
Weaving was brought to Teotitlán by the Dominican friars during the evangelization of the area by the Spaniards in the early 1500's. Bishop Juan López de Zárate brought the first sheep and the design of the loom from Europe and taught the local inhabitants to weave.
Teotitlán's rug makers use wool which, after being shorn from the sheep, washed, carded and spun, is dyed with natural colors from animal, vegetable and mineral sources such as alfalfa leaves (green), the Indigo plant (blue), nutshells and tree barks (tans & browns), and the Cochineal bug (reds/purples), as well as a variety of seeds, fruits and flowers.
The weaving is done on large, wooden treadle looms which are seen all over town at the houses and businesses of the crafts people. Weavers use both traditional designs and those of their own creation with a more modern flavor. The colors are the deep, vibrant tones of nature and are very long-lasting.
Rugs are available in a range of size and the weavings are often made into attractive cushion covers and other design accessories.
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