Selected Oaxacan crafts

featured online

to help Oaxaca's indigenous craftspeople

As many readers know, Oaxaca is experiencing serious problems. A teachers' strike that started in May, 2006 escalated into an extended confrontation between activists and the government (Click here for background and current updates). One result has been a reduction in tourism by at least 90%. That in turn has made life extremely difficult for Oaxaca's indigenous craftspeople, as well as for thousands of other workers and small business owners. Although tourists are gradually returning, Oaxaca's craftspeople still need help.

To help out as much as we can, we've decided to publicize some indigenous craftspeople via our website. Our hope is that people who love Oaxacan crafts, will be encourage to come to Oaxaca, recognize these talented artisans, and buy from them.

We've decided to start with weavings from the traditional weaving village of Santo Tomas Jalietza, located just south of Oaxaca, represented by artisan Altagracia Gomez Mendoza.

You can meet Altagracia by clicking here.

You can preview her work by clicking here.

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