The Artistic Heritage Of The Southwest Zapotec Indians

World famous Zapotec rugs come from a region of southern Mexico that is home to the southwest Zapotec Indians. Originating in the Oaxaca Valley over 2,500 years ago, this Native Indian tribe 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 their heritage. It is a heritage that still produces incredible southwest textile art for any home that chooses this decor. The striking imagery and colors used by the present day artisans, carries through with the charming southwest decorating theme. Purchasing unique Zapotec rugs will become an awesome addition to your southwest decor as well as an educational and cultural experience. 

Every piece of southwest Zapotec Indian art is created by hand, by these talented and creative people. You can be assured that hundreds of years of artistic heritage is behind each piece, when purchasing a tapestry, rug, or pillow made by southwest Zapotec Indians. 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. 

There is always a need for new concepts and ideas when weaving however, many of the designs used are traditional and will always remain the same. Known for the skill with which they are created as well as their unusual pattern qualities, master weaver families provide a fine line of woven textiles. Dedicated to keeping the traditional skills alive associated with their culture, the Zapotec Indians pay special attention to every step of the process of creating fine rugs and tapestries. The sheep used for the wool are descendants of those brought by the Spanish when they first landed in Mexico. 

After the sheep are sheered, the wool is hand carded and then the spinning wheel is used to spin the wool into usable thread. The wool is spun into skeins, still needing to be dyed, which will be done by hand in the Zapotec village. Once the wool has been colored to the demanding specification of the master dyer, it is hung up to be dried. After drying, it is delivered to the weavers, who turn the simple skeins of wool into textile works of art. 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. You are helping the Zapotec people to achieve self-sufficiency and independence by purchasing one of these southwest Indian masterpieces.

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