Weaving Stories: My Journey to Teotitlán del Valle and the Art of Zapotec Textiles
The faster our world moves, the more I crave slowness, connection, and meaning in everything I do. I’m drawn to pieces that carry stories—traditions passed down through generations, woven into every thread. My love for textiles began in my first job after college, working as a home and textile merchandiser for a Fortune 500 company. Learning about textile techniques, looms, and designs hooked me, but it wasn’t until later that I truly appreciated the impact of organic materials, natural dyes, and the skilled labor required to create pieces meant to be treasured.
Thomas, my husband, planned our Mexico trip with this in mind. From the vibrant inspiration of Mexico City to the sensory experiences of Oaxaca, the peaceful escape of San José del Pacífico, and finally, Puerto Escondido, the journey was designed to connect with local culture and disconnect in nature.
Oaxaca captured my heart. Its vibrant culture, incredible Zapotec cuisine, ancient buildings, and world-renowned artistry made me contemplate staying longer. A highlight of the trip was visiting Teotitlán del Valle, a village known for its Zapotec weaving traditions that have endured for over a thousand years.
Our taxi driver, Javier, became an impromptu guide. Upon learning about my love for authentic weaving, he took us to Casa Don Juan, a family workshop that uses natural dyes and doesn’t export their rugs. Off the dirt roads of Teotitlán, surrounded by agave fields and mountains, we arrived at the terracotta-tiled home. Carlos, the owner, greeted us warmly with a shot of mezcal and a private tour.
Carlos exuded warmth and pride as he demonstrated the intricate steps of their craft.
He explained to us how each color is achieved, and I was especially fascinated by the red dye which comes from cochineal, a small insect that lives on the pads of nopal (prickly pear) cacti. The cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus) produces carminic acid, which is extracted and used to create a rich red pigment.
To make the dye, the insects are harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder. Depending on the mordants (fixatives) used, cochineal can produce a range of colors, from deep crimson and scarlet to pinks and purples. This dye has been highly prized for centuries and was even exported from Mexico to Europe during colonial times. Yellow dye is created using wild tarragon leaves, steeped in hot water for a rich pigment while blue is made from indigo leaves, fermented and processed into a vibrant, lasting dye.
Upstairs, in a room with cast iron pots and wood fires heating the dye baths, Carlos explained, “El hilo se está cociendo con tintes naturales”—the yarn is being cooked. The room smelled of tarragon and fermented añil, with sunlight filtering through the windows. It felt like stepping into a living, breathing part of history.
Back downstairs, Carlos unfolded rugs and shared the meanings behind their symbols:
Snail (Caracol): Represents life’s journey, growth, and the connection between past and future.
Mountains (Yagú): Symbolize strength, stability, and protection.
Agave: Represents endurance, survival, and self-sufficiency.
Water: Flowing lines signify purification and life.
I fell in love with the snail motif, a symbol of life’s cycles, and chose a rug in blues and creams—a timeless combination that effortlessly complements interiors. I couldn’t resist a yellow tarragon-dyed runner for my home in St. Petersburg, Florida, along with a small red rug featuring agave symbolism. Each piece is a tangible connection to this extraordinary experience.
As an interior designer in St. Pete, I’m passionate about creating homes that blend authentic craftsmanship with meaningful design. In a city celebrated for its coastal beauty, historic charm, and thriving arts scene, incorporating handwoven textiles and globally inspired elements brings depth and warmth to custom homes and interiors. Design should tell a story—one rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and connection. In St. Petersburg, where history and modern creativity intersect, it’s essential to curate spaces that feel soulful, intentional, and timeless.
This journey left a lasting imprint on me. The artistry of Teotitlán del Valle embodies a slower, more intentional approach to design—one that values tradition, craftsmanship, and sustainability. It’s a vision I hope to bring into Astral House interior design projects, creating spaces filled with depth, meaning, and a connection to the origins of each piece.
