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Mario Chavez

Mario Chavez

Handwoven Zapotec rugs and handbags in Mexico

"One day I looked around and I could see we were surrounded by art, but people didn't value it enough and poverty was settling into our community."

Update (July, 2019)

In 2002, I began to export my handwoven designs with the your help. I always wanted to strengthen the Zapotec culture that I was born in.

Sending my work to foreign countries hadn't occurred to me but, today, it is a reality. With your guidance, I managed to create more designs. Your advice to create style and more combinations of colors has been a great support .

My sales have grown little by little, giving us the opportunity to empower people who are interested in learning this craft. It's important that I convey to my family knowledge about our culture, which has been passed down by our parents.

You've given me the opportunity to realize my vision and create better quality textiles that are more striking and full of color, tradition, and the essence of our beautiful customs. We have gradually increased our collection and we are on track.

One of the greatest challenges was learning to pay more attention to the quality of each one of our weavings. I'm very happy to be working with people who are so nice and conscious about preserving the art of our country.

I want to continue trying new designs and colors that allow me to grow, adding my contribution to preserving this tradition, which I literally carry in my veins. Thank you very much for the great support and direction.

Original Artisan Story

My name is Mario Chavez Gutierrez, and according to legend, the Lord of the Universe descended in the village where I was born. His mission was to make art flourish in the region, and let the loom recreate the beauty of the universe. That's why I called my workshop Teotl-Tlan, because in the Nahuatl language it means House of God.

I come from a family of weavers – it is a legacy I inherited from my great-grandfather. Nowadays, my designs in wool are innovative, somewhat different from those of my great-grandfather. One day I looked around and I could see we were surrounded by art, but people didn't value it enough and poverty was settling into our community. I realized we had everything at our disposal, we just didn't know how to make good use of it. So I decided to try new and different things. I changed patterns and played with colors. My aim was to preserve and promote the beauty of the Zapotec art.

The process starts with the wool – we shear the sheep twice a year. Then it's washed and carded by the women. We dye it with natural colorants such as cochineal, walnut tree bark and local flowers. We thread the warp threads on the looms and commence weaving, a process which can take anywhere between one day to a whole month, depending on the design. To finish, we roll up the loose threads and tie them into knots. Finally, we check the rug to make sure it is of good quality and has no imperfections.

I want to give a present made with my hands to the world, as a gift from Teotl-Tlan.

Cause Badges

Profound Impact

Microcredit Financing

Preserving Traditions

Covering Basic Needs

80 items by Mario Chavez

Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

22

Debbie

Verified Reviewer

03/17/2021

"Stunning"

I?m so pleased with this purchase! The quality workmanship and talent shines through. I am very proud and happy to have this beautiful rug in my home. Even more stunning than a photo can convey.

Purchased Item:

August Sun, Handmade Zapotec Wool Area Rug

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Katie

Verified Reviewer

06/01/2020

"Brings the sunshine into my home"

How beautiful these pillow covers are! They are so well-made, and they are much thicker than I thought they would be. Such brilliant colors and design. Muchas gracias, Mr. Chavez, for bringing a little piece of sunshine into my home.

Purchased Item:

Morning Star, Unique Mexican Geometric Wool Cushion Covers (Pair)

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Allene

Verified Reviewer

05/14/2020

"Bedroom in Blues"

I love the artistic beauty of this rug. The pattern with the colors chosen of deep blue stars in the midnight skies take you away to a different world. The rug is skillfully made with a perfect weave tight and precise. I love it.

Tags By Allene

Best Uses

Use as an accent decorative piece

Purchased Item:

Midnight Blue, Blue Geometric Zapotec Wool Area Rug (2.5x5)

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Gift Occasion:

This was a gift for: Myself
Occasion: Mother's Day

Craig

Verified Reviewer

01/20/2020

"Excellent"

This was a gift. It was well received

Purchased Item:

Zapotec Window, Zapotec Wool Area Rug (2x3)

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eileen

From northbrook illinois

Verified Reviewer

12/18/2019

"A little bit of sunshine"

I love the Zapotec designs and vibrant colors and this little rug is a work of art. Its the first thing I look at in the morning and its a great way to start the day.

Tags By eileen

zapotec

Purchased Item:

August Sun, Handmade Zapotec Wool Area Rug

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zee

From new york city, NY USA

Verified Reviewer

12/15/2019

"Go everywhere bag."

This bag is the perfect size for every day use. Fits all my basic needs without being too big. Wears like iron. I have carried it 3 years through 4 seasons of weather. It still looks great. great quality wool.

Tags By zee

Good daily working bag...

Best Uses

Great everyday day
For shopping, work, or school

Purchased Item:

Zapotec Traditions, Wool and leather handbag

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