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If one believes art imitates life, the indigenous Zapotecs of Teotitlan del Valle must clearly live the richest and most serene, yet complex lives of any culture in the Western Hemisphere.
The Zapotecs are indigenous to the Oaxacan valley in southern Mexico, which they have called home for thousands of years. Not unlike the Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec tribes, the Zapotec culture flourished for many centuries throughout southern Mexico. The ruins of their imperial cities can still be visited today, and are among the most spectacular archeological sites in the world.
The Zapotecs are unique in that they have been able to preserve a large part of their traditions and culture. Many villages in the valley still speak the native Zapotec language, and the bounty of their rich artisan tradition can be seen daily in the marketplaces of Oaxaca.
Among the most prized products of this tradition are those of the weaving village of Teotitlan del Valle. Known throughout the countryside for their extraordinary talent, the villagers of Teotitlan have passed down their weaving skills from one generation to the next for over a millennium. They take great pride in knowing they are true masters of their craft, and receive a deep sense of satisfaction from creating their artwork.
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