Natural Dyeing and Indigenous Weaving with Juana
A community of Zapotec artisans in the storied artisan village outside Oaxaca, Juana’s family is leading a push to reclaim lost indigenous traditions, from weaving to natural dyeing. Stay with them to learn and experience the rich cultural traditions of the indigenous Zapotec people.
- Airport Transportation
- Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
- Accommodation
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $2045
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $1500
Accommodation
- One Guest
- INCLUDED
- Additional guest(s)
- INCLUDED
Meet the Artist
Juana and her family are award-winning masters of traditional Zapotec natural dyeing and weaving. The family has been weaving in Teotitlan del Valle for hundreds of years and dedicated to preserving this indigenous tradition. They only work with natural dyes and experiment with new uses of sisal (from agave), a natural fiber traditionally used in the area. They grow as much of their fibers and dyes locally as is possible, and work with local growers to make crops like the indigenous strain of indigo more sustainable. In addition to cochineal and indigo, they grow pomegranate and citrus trees and use local trees, mosses and barks to create dyes. By reviving ancient traditions and reclaiming indigenous practices, the family is reinterpreting what these fibers and dyes mean as cultural materials. They like educating, working and collaborating with people who are interested in sustainable design and new uses for natural fibers & dyes. Juana's large family of siblings, children, nieces and nephews are all involved in one way or another--it is truly a family business! An expert in the kitchen, Juana also teaches traditional cooking, from mole sauce to tamales and traditional roasted chocolate.
VAWAA Includes:
- Three days of learning natural dyeing techniques, including indigo and cochineal.
- Using muicle leaves and wood ash for fermentation.
- Extracting various shades of blue from indigo and creating other green and purple shades.
- Three days of learning weaving on a frame loom using the wool you dyed.
- Weaving techniques of familiar Zapotec motifs, understanding thread count per inch and learning how to operate a traditional spinning wheel.
- Visit to the local community museum to identify motifs and recognize weaving styles dating back hundreds of years.
- Materials and tools.
- Your own small finished piece (40 cm x 50 cm).
- Airport transportation, accommodation and meals, including Juana's hot chocolate and pan dulce in the evenings.
Stay at Juana's
Accommodation with Juana and her family is included with your VAWAA. You will have your own bedroom with two double beds, as well as a shared bathroom and sitting room at their home studio. All meals will be shared with the family, and you are welcome to help with the marketing at their morning market in the village center.
Explore Oaxaca
A famous weaving village with an artistic history that traces back thousands of years, Teotitlán del Valle is awash with color, patterns, and artisan culture. It’s long been a home for artisan families famous for their natural dyed and woven rugs. While there, sample regional Zapotec ingredients like nopal (cactus) and chapulines (toasted grasshoppers), as well as traditional mezcal. Known as the “Place of the Gods,” Teotitlán del Valle is also surrounded by stunning landscapes, with local hikes to explore nearby caves and springs.
Additional Details
This VAWAA requires minimum 2 guests. It is also available for a longer duration. If interested in extending your time, just let us know by how many days and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Guest Reviews
Angela S., United States
I have a growing interest in knitting and quilting, and had long been curious about weaving. In addition, I have a great love for textiles. So when a friend who knew my interests sent me a link to Juana's course with VAWAA, I started thinking about how I could make the trip happen. I eventually signed up for the class, and found it to be an extraordinary experience, undoubtedly one of the most mem Read more
Alexis B., United States
I had an incredible time with Juana and her family. Everyone I met was incredibly talented and super patient with me. This was a truly unforgettable experience. I'm so glad I have copious examples, notes, and finished projects to show for my work so I can translate what I learned into my own art.
Persephenie S., United States
Staying with Juana and her family was an incredible experience and more than we could have asked for. Not only did my son and I learn about botanical dying and weaving, we learned about Zopotec culture, and the rhythm of life in their native village. Juana and her family took care of us, with daily delicious meals, insights into what was happening in and around her village, and she was always will Read more
Jessica O., Canada
Juana and her family welcomed us into their home to learn about their craft for 6 memorable days. Juana, Antonio, and Claudio shared their expert knowledge of natural dyeing, weaving, and the local culture, always taking the time to explain techniques and patiently offer us guidance as first-time dyers/weavers. During our week there we helped to dye wool in a beautiful array of colours and got to Read more
Julie I., Canada
Spending 6 days with Juana and her family was an amazing experience. This was my first time working with natural dyes and I feel blessed to have learned from Juana. In addition to sharing her years of knowledge, she brings a calm, reverent energy to the process that helped me slow down, observe, and more fully appreciate the skills & tradition that contribute to such beautiful results. I also love Read more
