MEXICO
Women’s Weaving Cooperative | Teotitlan Del Valle, Oaxaca
Oaxaca is renowned for its artisan craft, and the town of Teotitlán del Valle in particular for its weaving.
This women’s weaving co-operative was founded to support women who are single, widowed, divorced, have absent migrant husbands or who have been left without a family to take care of them. They had to overcome so much stigma and prejudice to do this work, as single women who face these issues were originally (and still are to some extent) labelled as outsiders. Historically, only men were allowed to weave, but in the last 60 years women have been able to be a part of this tradition. These women have an incredible sense of community and work together to support each other. They have shown incredible courage and conviction to make a new life for themselves in the face of great challenges, transforming their community in the process. The co-operative is consistently investing in community programs and workshops on subjects such as recycling, sex education, self-esteem, self-sufficiency and domestic abuse.
Their textiles are created using pedal looms with the highest quality wool, and they exclusively all natural dyes. This ancient craft has been passed down through many generations, a creative process that blends ancient tradition with their own artistic expression.
We personally are in awe of these talented, strong women and are honoured to be working in partnership with them.
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