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Why Travel With Us: Help sustain traditions.
- We know the culture! This is our land! We are locally owned and operated.
- Eric Chavez Santiago is tri-lingual --Spanish, English, Zapotec.
- Eric was founding director of education, Museo Textil de Oaxaca + folk art expert
- Norma Schafer has lived in Oaxaca since 2005.
- Norma is a seasoned university educator.
- We have deep connections with artists and artisans.
- 63% of our travelers repeat -- high ratings, high satisfaction.
- Wide ranging expertise: textiles, folk art, pottery, cultural wisdom.
- We give you a deep immersion to best know Oaxaca and Mexico.
We organize private travel + tours for museums, arts, organizations, collectors + appreciators.
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. Create value and memories. Enjoy hands-on experiences. Make a difference.
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.
OCN Creates Student Scholarship at Oaxaca Learning Center Giving back is a core value. Read about it here
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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.
Programs can be scheduled to meet your independent travel plans. Send us your available dates.
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Select Clients *Abeja Boutique, Houston *North Carolina Museum of Art *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
Tell us how we can put a program together for you! Send an email norma.schafer@icloud.com
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Shop Mexico: The Artisan Sisters Week 10–Tin hearts Frida-style and a word about nichos
Oaxaca is filled with craftsmen tucked away in small corners of the city hammering tinware into picture frames, throbbing Frida-style hearts, and ornate boxes. With hammer in hand, a large nail and metal clippers, they create exquisite designs in locally made metal. The results can be as simple as a small nicho — a little shrine, altar or blessing box. These are usually outfitted with a small glass door, empty inside, waiting to be filled with your own heart’s desire or whatever inspires you. When you are finished, hang it on a wall or put it on a table top.
Today, the Artisan Sisters offer you a choice of beautiful tin hearts for sale, painted and ready to hang. Finest quality tinware and painting. An inspiration to visit or return to Oaxaca!
Buy the entire collection of 4 REMAINING pieces below for $35 USD, includes shipping to anywhere in the USA. To purchase, send me an email first!
Left: SOLD. Tin heart with mirror, stunning crown, of red with blue accents, little turquoise dots rim the mirror. See the reflection of the potted plant in the mirror? Measures 9-1/2″ high x 5″ wide. An unusual piece, beautifully crafted! Item #1.08192012. $25 USD. Includes shipping to anywhere in USA.
Email me first to order.
Left: Flying heart — Heart on Wings. Hand-hammered tin and painted. This is the quintessential Frida-style heart that lifts the spirit. Measures approx. Wingspan is 10″wide x 4″ high. Item #2.08192012. $15 USD. Includes shipping to anywhere in USA.
Above left: Hearts surrounded by hearts! Measures 7″ high x 5-1/4″ wide. Item #3.08192012. $10.00 USD includes shipping to anywhere in USA.
Above right: Feathered crown heart. Measures 5″ high x 3-1/4″ wide. Item #4.08192012. $8.00 USD includes shipping to anywhere in USA.
Left: Not a Heart. Circle with center mirror. Measures 3-1/4″ diameter. $10 USD includes shipping to anywhere in USA.
Email me first to place your order.
To order your own tin nicho to decorate yourself, contact Chiripa: Artisan Crafts of the Americas. They will give instructions with purchase! And, be sure to visit Nicodemus at the corner of Mina and J.P. Garcia or another artesania at the corner of Reforma and Abasolo for a great selection of tinware when you are in Oaxaca.
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Posted in Cultural Commentary, Oaxaca Mexico art and culture
Tagged blogsherpa, folk art, hearts, Mexico, Oaxaca, tin