Dyeing and Weaving in the Zapotec Tradition with Jacobo & Maria
Explore indigenous slow-dyeing and weaving methods using locally sourced natural materials in an artisan village outside Oaxaca with renowned Zapotec master weavers, Jacobo and Maria. The surrounding mountains make for a beautiful backdrop as you dive into a world of bright colors, unique textures, and ancient designs.
- Breakfast, Lunch
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1855
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $600
Meet the Artist
Jacobo and Maria are master weavers and dyers in the Zapotec tradition. At the young age of eight, Jacobo learned the art of weaving and making vegetable dyes from his father, Don Emiliano, an extraordinary weaver of wool rugs. He experimented with the dyeing processes to develop vivid and intense colors and used different fibers of wool and silk to achieve finer pieces considered tapestries or "finos." His style was not only influenced by the previous generation of weavers, but also the work of various great painters of Oaxaca such as Santiago Nieto, Francisco Toledo, Rodolfo Morales and Rufino Tamayo.
Using fine threads made of local creole sheep wool, merino wool, alpaca wool, and even silk, gold, and sliver threads, Jacobo creates elaborate, complex designs with a very peculiar and unique texture. What really sets him apart is his tapestry technique. While other craftsmen use 5 threads per inch in the warp of their pieces, Jacobo uses 20, 30 or even 45 threads per inch. Essential to his work is the dyeing of different wools, where he uses everything from flowers to insects to obtain a wide range of colors that gives life to his work. To know Jacobo is to know and appreciate the work of an artist who has worked all his life to generate ecological sustainability and to appreciate his expertise in the many fine pieces he produces.
Jacobo's works have been exhibited in Santa Fe, New Mexico and he often participated with other teachers around the world. His travels inspire extraordinary new works that reflect his culture and his dreams. Although he loves to travel, Jacobo’s knowledge of Teotitlán del Valle, home of his ancestors, and the surrounding areas is unparalleled. Ask him where to get the best mole and he might just point you to one of his sisters!
Using fine threads made of local creole sheep wool, merino wool, alpaca wool, and even silk, gold, and sliver threads, Jacobo creates elaborate, complex designs with a very peculiar and unique texture. What really sets him apart is his tapestry technique. While other craftsmen use 5 threads per inch in the warp of their pieces, Jacobo uses 20, 30 or even 45 threads per inch. Essential to his work is the dyeing of different wools, where he uses everything from flowers to insects to obtain a wide range of colors that gives life to his work. To know Jacobo is to know and appreciate the work of an artist who has worked all his life to generate ecological sustainability and to appreciate his expertise in the many fine pieces he produces.
Jacobo's works have been exhibited in Santa Fe, New Mexico and he often participated with other teachers around the world. His travels inspire extraordinary new works that reflect his culture and his dreams. Although he loves to travel, Jacobo’s knowledge of Teotitlán del Valle, home of his ancestors, and the surrounding areas is unparalleled. Ask him where to get the best mole and he might just point you to one of his sisters!
VAWAA Includes:
- Harvesting fruits and vegetables like black sapote, marigold flower, mango, lemon, and pericón to make dyes.
- Learning how to prepare local creole sheep wool, merino wool, and alpaca wool fibers for weaving by carding the wool and spinning it with a wooden spinning wheel.
- Dyeing fibers with local dye plants like marigold flower, pericón, black sapote and walnut as well as the extract powder of indigo, fustic wood, and insect cochineal. Adjusting proportions to achieve different gradations of color.
- Washing fibers with the amole plant, a pre hispanic soap.
- Weaving techniques of familiar Zapotec motifs, understanding thread count per inch.
- Creating your own small textile piece under the guidance of a master weaver.
- All tools and materials.
- Daily homemade breakfast and a traditional lunch with Jacobo's family.
Explore Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca
A forty minute drive from Oaxaca City, Teotitlán del Valle is a picturesque town sitting amidst incredible natural beauty. Nestled in a peaceful valley, this Zapotec Village is surrounded by mountains and prehistoric Zapotec archeological sites. These include Monte Alban and Mitla, whose intricate motifs the “Mitla frets” have inspired some of Jacobo’s most beautiful textiles. Some archaeologists think the Mitla frets were in fact inspired by Zapotec textiles - a testament to the ancient origins of Jacobo's craft.
Additional Details
The best times to visit Oaxaca are during the months of March-June and September. Both spring and early fall experience moderate temperatures and fewer tourists.
Guests must be 18 years or older and have some experience in the textile arts. Familiarity with Spanish is helpful. Jacobo speaks Zapotec, the native language of his region as well as Spanish, the native language of his country. He also knows some American English, which he likes to practice with guests.
This VAWAA is available for a longer duration. Please ask when you send your booking request.
Guests must be 18 years or older and have some experience in the textile arts. Familiarity with Spanish is helpful. Jacobo speaks Zapotec, the native language of his region as well as Spanish, the native language of his country. He also knows some American English, which he likes to practice with guests.
This VAWAA is available for a longer duration. Please ask when you send your booking request.
Guest Reviews
Jason H., United States
This was the singular most memorable trip I've ever been on. Jacobo has a rich depth of knowledge around natural dyes, weaving, and Zapotec tradition, and his love of sharing that were apparent at every moment. I had zero experience with textiles and weaving, and the two of them guided me through every step. I loved being hands on in the dyes, and watching the magical transformation of rich, dark Read more
Rebecca H., United States
Jacobo is a master dyer who uses natural ingredients and manages to concoct brilliant colors. He is an exceptionally creative master weaver and a patient teacher. He is extremely generous in sharing his knowledge and helps visitors create pieces they may never have thought possible. Maria treats you like family and tends to you in a warm and caring manner. Her food is exquisite…I am ready to retur Read more
Carla J., United States
My husband and I just returned from six amazing weeks traveling through Mexico. By far, the highlight of our trip began where we started in Teotitlan de Valle, a small town just south of Oaxaca. I spent five days learning dyeing and weaving tapestry techniques from one of the masters, Jacobo Martinez. Each morning I would join Jacobo in his beautiful home and studio, which included a large open co Read more
Kelly B., United States
Jacobo is a wonderful teacher and a true master of his craft, as well as a gracious and generous host. Jacobo picked my husband and I up at the airport and helped us arrange a cab to Oaxaca for the next leg of our journey at the conclusion of the workshop. We were interested in seeing the Sunday market in Tlacolula, so Jacobo adjusted our schedule to take us through.
The first two days we spent Read moreJuliet H., United States
I am honored that Jacobo and Maria welcomed me into their studio/home. Jacobo and Maria are masters in the crafts of dyeing and weaving. They are kind hearted people with a conviction to keep local traditions alive. Jacobo went above and beyond by meeting me at the airport in Oaxaca. He also supported me in figuring out other activities to do nearby.
Each day Maria prepared traditional meals. Read moreUsha D., United States
I stayed in Teotitlan for a week to learn dyeing and weaving. Jacobo is highly skilled, informative, and knowledgeable weaver. He has won many awards for his work. He uses natural dyes like Maroosh, cochineal, pomegranate, sapote, indigo, cempasuchil and so on. Jacobo weaves wonderful tapestries, huge bed sheets, rugs and pillow cases both traditional and modern. His wife and son are experts in Read more
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