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Norma Writes for Selvedge Magazine Issues #89 + #109
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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 designed as learning experiences, and as such we talk with makers about how and why they create, what is meaningful to them in their designs, 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 and help artisans reach people who value them and their work.
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Why We Left, Expat Anthology: Norma’s Personal Essay
We Contribute Two Chapters!
Meet Makers. Make a Difference
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.Programs can be scheduled to meet your independent travel plans. Send us your available dates.
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.
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 *MINNA *University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Tell us how we can put a program together for you! Send an email norma.schafer@icloud.com
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- WEAVE Podcast: Oaxaca Coast Textiles & Tour
- NY Times, Weavers Embrace Natural Dye Alternatives
- NY Times, Open Thread–Style News
- NY Times, 36-Hours: Oaxaca, Mexico
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Street View: Mexico City
After I arrived in Mexico City on Thursday and checked in to Chill Out Flat in the historic center just four blocks from the Zocalo, I hit the streets. (Reminder: I’m traveling alone and feel completely safe here.) Carlos Slim, the wealthiest man in the world and owner of Telmex, has invested heavily in the renovation and resurgence of this part of Mexico City. There are broad walking avenues lined with shops and restaurants, newly paved cobblestone streets, and a sense of energy and spirit. I did not blink an eye about walking back to my hostel after dark!
So on my first day out, here’s what I found!
First at the Dulceria de Celaya on Calle 5 de Mayo, sugar sculptures in preparation for Dia de los Muertos. And, some tasty meringues.
Just outside the sweet shop was this young organ grinder. I couldn’t help myself with this series of quick street portraits.
Then, on to Remigio’s in the Azul Historico complex at Isabel la Catolica #30, around the corner from Francisco I. Madero, a couple of blocks from the Zocalo, where Oaxaca’s indigenous textile maven has opened a new shop. Below left, Sofia Neponuceno Victoriano and Sagrario Martinez Ambrosio, both Mixes from Oaxaca, can help you find exactly what you are looking for. The best quality is here!
At the Zocalo, I found Mexico’s cathedral, an impressive tribute to the might of Spanish conquest and conversion.
Inside, the massive organ dominates while small shrines to protect women and children line wide aisles. The one with the locks and bows caught my attention.
Outside, a shaman healer smudges a passerby with a copal incense burner and smudge sticks. Notice the skull sculpture that adorns the corner below right. Bones were an important part of Aztec tradition, a way for the Old World priests to attract the indigenous to the New Religion.
And just so we don’t forget what’s really important in today’s world …
Along Av. Simon Bolivar I come across a Quinciniera photo shoot and follow the troupe down the street. Is she too old to be age fifteen? I assume it is a mock portrait session. A great opportunity for me, too.
From a corner balcony on the pedestrian avenue, an opera singer in full regalia, microphone in hand, is singing Mozart. I turn to look at the crowd of families, couples strolling hand in hand, visitors from foreign lands and all parts of Mexico. It is a perfect night for walking and window gazing.
Eco-bike parks are everywhere, hop on and hop off for an environmentally sound way to travel in a congested city with 23 million people.
Then, spotted at a local Amigos hostel, a warning to guests!
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