Textiles of Oaxaca
Like the region itself, the textiles of Oaxaca are breathtakingly beautiful and diverse. Beyond the surface beauty of these textiles lies an invisible thread connecting the maker to their ancestors and to their culture. In admiration of the diverse textiles from across Oaxaca, we’ve compiled a beginners guide to the different styles from across the state.
Colourful Mexican Woven Basket Bags
The epitome of Mexico - garishly bright and festive; colourful plastic woven baskets can be seen everywhere on the streets of Mexico, filled to the brim with fresh produce, flowers, tortillas and even chickens!
The Making Of A Maguey Bag
The Maguey Bag of Mexico employs an ancient technique gifted from generation to generation dating back to the time of Mayans. Handcrafted from the versatile and symbolic agave plant these bags are not only beautiful but highly functional.
Mexican Miracle Charms (Milagro)
The word milagro translates to “miracle”. Milagros are often carried for good luck and protection or as a reminder of gratitude.
Sacred Hearts of Mexico
The Sacred Heart is a prominent symbol of devotion in Roman Catholic religion, signifying the divine love of Jesus for humanity. Sacred heart symbology is popular throughout Mexico given that approximately 80% of the population identify as Roman Catholic.
El Sombrero - The Art of Mexican Hat Making
Armando is a third-generation hat maker from Oaxaca. His amber speckled eyes instantly reveal his honest and warm-hearted nature, while his weathered hands speak of his dedication to his inherited craft. His workshop is dark and dusty; piles of unmade hats and machinery from the turn of the century.
Maximon
When we visited this strange effigy, in what seemed to be someone’s garage, a medicine man sat to the right, nodding off periodically, identifiable only by a red scarf. The statue itself is quite small, made of wood and dressed in multiple satin scarves. A lit cigarette hangs limply from his mouth, as the ashes are collected below to be later used as an offering or some type of healing agent.