ActivitiesThe Rugs and Spun Wool of Teotitlan del ValleOaxaca

Teotitlan or Teocaltitlan are words from the Nahuatl language that mean Land of the Gods. Teotitlan del Valle is a region that is situated among the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, and is located 31 km (19 mi) or about 30 min from the city of Oaxaca.

The elaboration of rugs and spun wool is one of the most popular crafts in the state, and definitely for this community.

Teotitlán del Valle is a village that has become extremely famous for the abundance of workshops showcasing this ancient technique.

Its production is a process that is passed from generation to generation and uses very rudimentary but effective methods. To be certain of the availability of the wool needed, the craftsman begins by brushing the wool himself. Later this must be spun and ordered into large bunches that are easy to handle.

The color of these skeins of wool must be done using natural dyes that are obtained from plants and insects such as: Huizache, indigo, cochineal, moss rock, and the zempaxuchitl flower, among others.

First the raw wool is washed and then goes through the dying process where (depending on the amount of dye and the time it is left sitting) will take on the necessary color tone for the fabric.

The traditional loom is handled manually and is worked, for which the operator creates the size, the color and design that will become the future work of art. It is worth mentioning that there are some fabrics that are painted with artificial coloring. Those works are unrelated in price compared to works made with natural products.