Zapotec Rug – Reversible 100% Wool Rug

This 100% wool rug/tapestry is made by hand in the small village of Teotitlán del Valle Oaxaca in the Central Valley region of Oaxaca, Mexico. Using techniques that have been perfected by the Zapotec for millennia, weavers today make pieces that are the perfect blend of functionality and art. This rug is made from local wool and dyed with natural local dyes.

The designs and symbols woven into the rugs are not merely for appearance. Each element represents a part of the Zapotec culture. In this one we see the Zapotec diamond which represents the four elements of earth, air, water, and fire, and the pyramid reflected reminds us that we reflect what is inside us.
The squared spirals on either end are called the Mitla pattern, from the ancient city/curren ruins of Mitla. These spirals are the cycle of life, and the steps leading up to the spiral are the stages of life — birth, childhood, adulthood, old age, and death.
There are other symbols we are learning as we meet and talk more with the weavers. While the Zapotec people have retained a remarkable level of their identities and languages and cultural practices, some things have been nearly lost, and we try to help indigenous people of Oaxaca whenever we can to find the resources to preserve their culture and to pass their knowledge along for the future.

It is 38.5″ long without the tassels.

Weaving and embroidery have been an important part of Zapotec life for millennia. Most weaving is done with a stationary backstrap loom or hand-and-foot-powered looms. We are happy to share the pieces we have available. All items are made and were bought in the Central Valley region of Oaxaca, Mexico. Everything that we purchased was purchased directly from the artist whenever possible — even if this meant trips to remote tiny pueblos in the surrounding area. Everything was purchased making sure that a fair trade and living wage could be achieved by the artists. We do not haggle with them, and we do not ask for volume discounts. We just wanted to bring some beautiful pieces here that we love, or we thought others would love