Trending Searches
Geometric Wool Tote Handbag from Mexico 'Zapotec Legacy' Item ID: 2669897607
$97.99Currently not available
We're sorry but it looks like we're late on getting more items for you. Please check back in a few days.
This is your own listing item.
- 0.93 lbs
- Bag: 13 inches H x 14.5 inches W x 3.1 inches D
- Handle(s): 30 inches L x 0.6 inches W
- Drop length: 10.8 inches from strap to bag
- 100% wool with cotton lining
- Color and/or motif may vary slightly
- Eco-Friendly: colored with organic dyes
- Features a zipper closure
- Hand wash separately in cold water
- Lay flat to dry
- Use mild detergent only
Made in Mexico
100% Happiness Guaranteed!
Shop with Confidence
Easy 30 day returns!
"Hola! My name is Alberto Ruiz GarcÃa and I'm from a town in Oaxaca dedicated to weaving. I am the fourth generation of my family to practice this craft. I remember as a child I watched my father working on the loom while my mother and grandmother carded and dyed the wool so that the men could weave it.
"First the sheep are sheared, and this is done twice a year. We pick out any twigs and burrs and wash the fleece. Then we card it with two large wire brushes so that it is soft and can be worked on a wooden spinning wheel. We wash it with amole, a plant that grows in the sierra. It releases a lot of foam, and in this way the wool doesn't lose its purity. If we washed it with commercial soaps, the wool would lose its shine and wouldn't absorb the natural dyes as well. This removes the impurities and natural grease. We then spin it and dye it with tints from the cochineal insect, pomegranate peel, bark from the huajal tree that thrives here, as well as oak and pecan bark. Stones, dried flowers, almost all the rocks and flowers here yield natural colors.
"To achieve the dyes, we soak the materials in a big pot of water and let it sit at least a month. Then we set it on the fire to boil. We immerse the hanks of yarn for half an hour and then we take them out to dry. The wool is washed once more to fix the colors.
"The long, narrow bobbins we use are made of reed, and we wind the yarn on them to weave it. We first warp the handloom, and then we begin to weave the rug. Depending on the size, it can take a long time to finish. A small rug can be made in two or three days, but a large one can take six weeks to weave.
"My wife and I work together in our home. We help each other, and in this way we can finish our rugs sooner. I especially like diamond motifs, as they represent a kind of maguey coat of arms seen at Monte Albán. They exemplify my Zapotec heritage."
4 Reviews for
Alberto Ruiz
September 28, 2017
C
Carol
This is my favourite Mexican rug at home. I love it so much. It's a sturdy thing. I wash it by hand with cold water on my cement patio. It is remarkably stain repellent. I expect to have it for the rest of my life. Hint: make sure you have lavender and other moth-repellent natural products in your home, because this beauty is wool.
Reviewed itemJanuary 6, 2017
R
Richard
We live in Mexico and know Oaxaca rugs This is a very good example of these rugs
Reviewed itemMarch 21, 2022
J
Jon
The colors, the design, the quality of workmanship, —exceptional.
Reviewed itemApril 3, 2021
S
Steven
Truly a beautiful piece of workmanship! In this day and age of mass produced items this stands out as only a few will have and cherish!
Reviewed itemOther favorites
View more
Meet the maker
Follow
Following
"Hola! My name is Alberto Ruiz GarcÃa and I'm from a town in Oaxaca dedicated to weaving. I am the f... read more
Alberto Ruiz traditional handwoven Zapotec rugs and accessories
"Hola! My name is Alberto Ruiz GarcÃa and I'm from a town in Oaxaca dedicated to weaving. I am the fourth generation of my family to practice this craft. I remember as a child I watched my father working on the loom while my mother and grandmother carded and dyed the wool so that the men could weave it.
"First the sheep are sheared, and this is done twice a year. We pick out any twigs and burrs and wash the fleece. Then we card it with two large wire brushes so that it is soft and can be worked on a wooden spinning wheel. We wash it with amole, a plant that grows in the sierra. It releases a lot of foam, and in this way the wool doesn't lose its purity. If we washed it with commercial soaps, the wool would lose its shine and wouldn't absorb the natural dyes as well. This removes the impurities and natural grease. We then spin it and dye it with tints from the cochineal insect, pomegranate peel, bark from the huajal tree that thrives here, as well as oak and pecan bark. Stones, dried flowers, almost all the rocks and flowers here yield natural colors.
"To achieve the dyes, we soak the materials in a big pot of water and let it sit at least a month. Then we set it on the fire to boil. We immerse the hanks of yarn for half an hour and then we take them out to dry. The wool is washed once more to fix the colors.
"The long, narrow bobbins we use are made of reed, and we wind the yarn on them to weave it. We first warp the handloom, and then we begin to weave the rug. Depending on the size, it can take a long time to finish. A small rug can be made in two or three days, but a large one can take six weeks to weave.
"My wife and I work together in our home. We help each other, and in this way we can finish our rugs sooner. I especially like diamond motifs, as they represent a kind of maguey coat of arms seen at Monte Albán. They exemplify my Zapotec heritage."
"First the sheep are sheared, and this is done twice a year. We pick out any twigs and burrs and wash the fleece. Then we card it with two large wire brushes so that it is soft and can be worked on a wooden spinning wheel. We wash it with amole, a plant that grows in the sierra. It releases a lot of foam, and in this way the wool doesn't lose its purity. If we washed it with commercial soaps, the wool would lose its shine and wouldn't absorb the natural dyes as well. This removes the impurities and natural grease. We then spin it and dye it with tints from the cochineal insect, pomegranate peel, bark from the huajal tree that thrives here, as well as oak and pecan bark. Stones, dried flowers, almost all the rocks and flowers here yield natural colors.
"To achieve the dyes, we soak the materials in a big pot of water and let it sit at least a month. Then we set it on the fire to boil. We immerse the hanks of yarn for half an hour and then we take them out to dry. The wool is washed once more to fix the colors.
"The long, narrow bobbins we use are made of reed, and we wind the yarn on them to weave it. We first warp the handloom, and then we begin to weave the rug. Depending on the size, it can take a long time to finish. A small rug can be made in two or three days, but a large one can take six weeks to weave.
"My wife and I work together in our home. We help each other, and in this way we can finish our rugs sooner. I especially like diamond motifs, as they represent a kind of maguey coat of arms seen at Monte Albán. They exemplify my Zapotec heritage."
Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Guadalajara, Mexico
Mexico Fulfillment Hub
Explore Mexico. You'll discover the rich artistic heritage drawn from the Maya, Olmec, Toltec, Zapotec, and Aztec civilizations, as well as the distinctive living folk art traditions of modern Mexico. From Taxco Silver Jewelry to intricate Huichol beadwork, and from handpainted Talavera-style pottery to handblown glassware and fantastical alebrijes, you will fall under the spell of magical Mexico.
Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing
Alberto Ruiz has received 6 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $2900 and the most recent for $5000. Proceeds were used to invest in wool and also be able to offer work to his artisan friends and neighbors.
Maker BadgeJob Creator
This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.
Maker BadgeProfound Impact
Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.
Maker BadgeMoving On Up
This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.
Maker BadgeCovering Basic Needs
This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.
More from this maker
View all
Go!
Item added to your cart!
Geometric Wool Tote Handbag from Mexico 'Zapotec Legacy'
Quantity:
Powered by
Partners and Collaborators
You havein your cartTop