Handwoven Wool Area Rug from Mexico (2.5x5), "Desert Drops"

Update (August, 2019)

At the beginning, when I decided to become a textile artisan and started the workshop, it was difficult. But my parents always helped me with their knowledge and experience and their incredible support at all times. I appreciate working with my family, for the opportunity to allow us to lead a quieter and more relaxed life.

We have grown gradually and we are pleased to observe the growth. We managed to buy newer looms with the income from our work, which is what satisfies me most. Now we want to invest in more materials to create more rugs, and to attend craft exhibitions. We want to challenge ourselves and create some designs for competitions.

We're very excited about these new projects, and thank you for your support and belief in these traditions. You have made us known worldwide and the given us the opportunity to continue growing.

Original Artisan Story

I'm Bulmaro Mendoza Hernandez from a small Zapotec town in Oaxaca. My family describes me as a friendly and gracious person.

My parents taught me the wonderful process of creating natural wool rugs. This art is highly appreciated around the world and we are enormously proud of it.

I was 13 years old when I wove my first rug. I had been watching my parents closely as they worked on our traditional Zapotec looms and this is when I fell in love with weaving.

I especially love our designs and the creative challenge each one represents. We work in wool from our neighbors' flocks and we color it with natural dyes derived from fruits, tree bark, flowers, plants and the cochineal that thrives on Mexico's prickly pear cactus. We achieve a wide range of colors and it's fun!

We work as a team in the family workshop. My father weaves the large rugs, my mother weaves the smaller ones, and the medium-size designs are mine. Quality is the hallmark of all our work.

It was tough when we first set up the workshop and when I decided to become a textile artisan. But my parents always backed me with their knowledge and experience.

Today, I dream of creating a big gallery where we can show our work, mainly to tourists. In this way, we could generate more jobs for local artisans and their families.