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- We know the culture! We are locally owned and operated.
- Eric Chavez Santiago is Zapotec, born and raised in Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca.
- Norma Schafer has been living in Oaxaca for almost 20 years.
- We have deep connections with artists and artisans.
- 63% of our travelers repeat -- high ratings, high satisfaction.
- Wide ranging expertise.
- We give you a deep immersion to best know Oaxaca and Mexico.
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Creating Connection and Meaning between travelers and with indigenous artisans. Meet makers where they live and work. Join small groups of like-minded explorers. Go deep into remote villages. Gain insights. Support cultural heritage and sustainable traditions ie. hand weaving and natural dyeing. Create value and memories. Enjoy hands-on experiences. Make a difference.
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What is a Study Tour: Our programs are learning experiences, and as such we talk with makers about how and why they create, what is meaningful to them, the ancient history of patterning and design, use of color, tradition and innovation, values and cultural continuity, and the social context within which they work. First and foremost, we are educators. Norma worked in top US universities for over 35 years and Eric founded the education department at Oaxaca’s textile museum. We create connection.
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OCN Creates Student Scholarship at Oaxaca Learning Center Giving back is a core value. Read about it here!
Why We Left, Expat Anthology: Norma’s Personal Essay
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Oaxaca Cultural Navigator LLC has offered programs in Mexico since 2006. We have over 30 years of university, textile and artisan development experience. See About Us.
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Designers, retailers, wholesalers, curators, universities and others come to us to develop artisan relationships, customized itineraries, study abroad programs, meetings and conferences. It's our pleasure to make arrangements.
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Select Clients *Abeja Boutique, Houston *Selvedge Magazine-London, UK *Esprit Travel and Tours *Penland School of Crafts *North Carolina State University *WARP Weave a Real Peace *Methodist University *MINNA-Goods *Smockingbird Kids *University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Tell us how we can put a program together for you! Send an email norma.schafer@icloud.com
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Calavera La Catrina: Day of the Dead Grande Dame
Animated images of skulls associated with Day of the Dead were intended as social satire — a good laugh on politicians and the climbing bourgeoisie in political 19th and 20th century Mexico. Today, the image of skeletal bones dressed in fancy attire that dance through the night are part of the Oaxaca art scene. It appears there is great competition for who can be the most creative.
During my weekend wanderings, I captured a few of these whimsical characters, sure to bring a smile or to remind one of a long-lost relative. Not only do they dance, they play musical instruments, sip afternoon tea at cafe windows, and beckon passersby into the most elegant courtyard shops.
One of my favorites is this group of ladies in the Los Danzantes Resaurante courtyard off Macedonio Alcala, each attired in indigenous dress representing the various regions of Oaxaca.
As I meandered down Calle 5 de Mayo, this abuela and abuelo (grandmother and grandfather) couple drew me in to the Artisans Cooperative. He was in definite serenade mode.
The humor, playfulness and celebration that welcomes Day of the Dead has an entirely different symbolism in Mexico about death and dying than it does in the U.S.A. The mockery of life causes us to laugh at ourselves, and it also reminds us that life is a continuum and death is not to be feared. It’s a healthy approach that is shared by many cultures around the world.
At the Museo Textile de Oaxaca, I caught this masked man in full Day of the Dead regalia. He is definitely a live wire.
And at El Nahual Gallery on Calle 5 de Mayo, this lovely Catrina welcomes folks to take a closer look.
And, if you are so inclined, you might want to pack one up and take her home in your suitcase! Lots of folk art shops in the city offer variations on the theme for sale. Feliz Dia de los Muertos.
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Posted in Cultural Commentary, Travel & Tourism
Tagged blogsherpa, Catrina, day of the dead, Mexico, Oaxaca