M A R I S O L   I M P O R T S

History & Information

The Zapotec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico have been weaving textiles for over
2,000 years. The first ancient Zapotec City, Monte Alban, was established
around 500 BC and flourished for 1200 years in southern Mexico. Ceremonial
architecture, hieroglyphs and clay figures are only part of this rich legacy that
included colorful cotton cloth woven on backstrap tension looms. After the
decline of Monte Alban and several hundred years of invasions and instability,
the Zapotecs were subjects of the Mixtec and Aztec empires, paying tribute to
these rulers with their woven fabrics.

The arrival of Hernando Cortes and the Spanish conquistadores in 1519
ushered in a period of violence, disease, slavery and religious conversion. The
Spanish recognized the value of the Zapotec weaving tradition, however, and
introduced sheep, the fixed-frame pedal loom and the spinning wheel. These
16th century investments prevented the dismantling of the Zapotec culture and
enabled the weavers to make larger, stronger and more durable textiles.
Today this weaving tradition has evolved to become a world famous artistic
enterprise. The Zapotecs of Teotitlan de Valle are famous and respected for
their determination to maintain their traditional culture while adapting to the
realities of the modern world.

Three hundred miles southeast of Mexico City, Teotitlan is the center of the
Zapotec weaving tradition and one of many indigenous communities in the state
of Oaxaca. Many of the town's 6,000 inhabitants continue the same weaving
practices used for generations. Originally clothing and cloth were made from
cotton and cactus fibers; today rugs and textiles are made from 100% wool.
Natural dyes, such as the deep indigo blues and bright cochineal reds, are
derived from plants, minerals and insects. Some weavers continue the
laborious and ancient alchemy of natural dyes, but since the 1850s most
weavers have used synthetic aniline colors. Both men and women card, spin
and dye the wool and families typically pass on their weaving skills and
particular styles to their children. The beautiful colors, patterns and designs
created by the Zapotecs are a unique mixture of cultural tradition, family
innovation, customer request and artistic exploration.

The owners of Marisol Imports have been personally
visiting the weavers in their homes for over 20 years.
We have developed close relationships with several
families in the village and enjoy individually selecting
every rug in our store. We choose only the best crafted
weavings with a visually balanced design and an
appealing use of color. This careful consideration and
personal contact with the weavers and their families
assures the fine quality and heritage inherent in each
piece.