Zapotec rugs and tapestries made by the Martinez Family for over 300 years

The Martinez family has been weaving rugs and fine tapestries for more than three hundred years in Teotitlan del Valle, Mexico. Today our rugs can be found on every continent (except Antarctica) and in dozens of countries. Our technique of weaving a rug has not changed in 300 years, and both bright and pastel colors used to weave the rugs come from plants, fruits and even an insect.

We obtain twelve different shades of red from the Cochineal insect, a parasite from prickly pear (nochextli).   Our blues come from the anil plant (indigo), yellows from dry moss and amber from a lichen that grows on the rocks, black comes from huizache (mesquite), different shades of brown are obtained by grinding nutshells, pomegranate peel is used to get an orange color and marigolds give some shades of gold.

When the Spanish came to Mesoamerica they brought them pedal looms and Marino sheep, changing the way rugs were woven in Teotitlan. Dominican friars showed the Zapotec Indians how to card and to spin the wool instead using the old waist loom. Marino wool is known for its soft feel and extremely strong, linking fibers, which stand up to wear.

Our rugs and tapestry yarns are pre-washed and color fast, so there is no shrinking or loss of color.  Rugs, and tapestries may be washed with a mild soap, rinsed well, and allowed to dry flat surface during dry weather and with good ventilation.

Contact the Martinez family directly: Alex Martinez, Juarez No. 207, Teotitlan del Valle, C.P. 70420, Oaxaca, Mexico. by email at woolrugs@hotmail.com or by international telephone in Mexico at 52 951 524  4481.  You may also call our associate in the U.S. at 941-922-0883.