It’s a short 30 minute drive from Posada de Don Rodrigo in the historic center of Antigua to San Antonio Aguas Calientes to visit famous weaver Lidia López López. I met her several years ago at the Santa Fe Folk Art Market and again last year at the WARP conference in Denver. Her work is so exquisite that she has been invited to represent Guatemala throughout Europe and the Americas. She has also been to Japan. With her sisters and extended family, they weave motifs of flowers, birds, and foliage that we have seen in the few days we have been here. It takes about eight months working five hours a day on the back strap loom to make one blouses (huipil).
Lidia dressed up Mary, Mike, and Kerry in traditional wedding dress, so we had a Boda! Don’t they look gorgeous? Mary’s long hair was wrapped in a woven textile and then a gauze woven scarf was draped over her. We are in love with these textiles.
Posted onTuesday, February 4, 2025|Comments Off on Guatemala City, Museo Ixchel Indigenous Clothing and Popol Vuh
Guatemala City is a big surprise! It is clean, filled with great restaurants, excellent hotels, and glass buildings. It is definitely an international enclave. In the elevator of the Hyatt Centric where we are staying downtown, I met a young man from Japan and a local who both work for Honda motorcycles. Down the street are the Range Rover and BYD dealers. It’s definitely worth a two or three day stay here before you go off to Antigua and Lake Atitlan.
My primary reason for a pre-tour visit was to explore the Museo Ixchel Traje del Indigena de Guatemala. It has seven excellent galleries filled with colorful, intricately woven garments from villages through the country from the 1800’s through to today. And the museum shop has many fine examples of vintage textiles for sale as well as new and vintage jewelry featuring old stones and coins. Hard to save those Quetzales for Antigua and beyond.
Here are a few photos:
We may return to Guatemala in 2026 IF there are enough people interesting in traveling with us here. Please send an email to express your interest.
Tomorrow we are going to the Central Market where we will find folk art and textiles from throughout the country.
The connections between México and Guatemala are strong. The Pan American Highway is the ancient north-south trade route and we see many strong similarities between the two countries and their weavings.
In the same location at the University Francisco Marroquin is the outstanding Popul Vuh Museum. This is an archeological treasure trove. Don’t miss it, either.
Lord Bat qaaw’a Sotz’ in q’eqchiJaguar funerary urn
Posted onThursday, January 30, 2025|Comments Off on Oaxaca Textiles, Craft + Culture Tour with Taos Wools January 2026
This January 8-15, 2026 program is more than a tour. It includes weaving and natural dyeing Po for workshops, a visit to artisan markets, studio visits to meet makers. Immerse yourself in all that Oaxaca has to offer with travel and hands-on experiences. We are partnering with Joseph Barry and Taos Wools, located in Arroyo Seco, a charming village on the way to the Taos Ski Valley, to offer this program.
Visit artisan studios in Teotitlan del Valle, the tapestry weaving center of Mexico, including silk and wool weavers
Participate in a two-day natural dye workshop
Learn or enhance your skills in a three-day tapestry weaving workshop using a frame loom
Travel to the mountain village of Chichicapam for a one-day drop spindle (malacate) spinning demonstration, carding churro fleece
Wander the expansive Sunday Tlacolula Market, a confluence of art, craft and more
Meet a red clay potter in her famous ceramic studio
Enjoy a Oaxaca City grand finale dinner with our group and leaders
(No prior weaving or dyeing experience is necessary. This is open and valuable to all levels of fiber artists and fiber admirers.)
DAY 1 | Arrive, settle in & welcome! – January 8, 2026
Arrive, travel to Teotitlan del Valle on your own, at your own expense. We will provide directions from the airport via secure taxi. No host dinner at a local comedor. Overnight in Teotitlan del Valle. Meals included: None.
DAY 2 | Introduction, visit weaving cooperatives, begin dye workshop —January 9, 2026
Breakfast, introduction to the textile culture of Oaxaca with a presentation including topics of community, traditions, and culture. We will meet with two cooperatives and workshops in Teotitlan del Valle that create tapestries, clothing, and handbags. We will meet at the dye studio and begin creating naturally dyed skeins of wool. Overnight in Teotitlan del Valle. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
About the Natural Dye Workshop: Participants will dye a range of colors using a variety of plants and over-dyeing techniques. This includes dyeing 15 wool skeins of 10 grams each, with enough colors and materials to weave a small sampler on our weaving day. Participants should bring a notebook and pencil to take notes of the dyeing process.
DAY 3 | Natural Dye Workshop – January 10, 2026
We’ll resume the natural dye workshop to dye skeins of wool exploring locally sourced plant materials of indigo, pomegranate, wild marigold, plus cochineal. The workshop will cover chemistry in dye preparation and techniques for over-dyeing. Box lunch at dye studio. After lunch, we will visit a studio that grows silkworms. Here they spin, dye, and weave the silk into fine garments. Overnight in Teotitlan del Valle. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
DAY 4 | Tlacolula Market Meander, Pottery Studio Visit – January 11, 2026
After breakfast, we will spend most of the day at the amazing Sunday Tlacolula market, the once-a-week tianguis that attracts farmers, artisans, household suppliers, and everything and anything you can imagine one needs to run a household in Oaxaca. We will have lunch at a local comedor, then visit a famous red pottery studio in San Marcos Tlapazola. Back in Teotitlan, we will start the weaving workshop. First, we will learn about warping frame looms. Overnight in Teotitlan del Valle. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
Tlacolula Market Candy CartColorful plastic woven baskets, Tlacolula Market.Tlacolula market scene with aprons as personal and village identity.
DAY 5 – Hand-Spinning Demonstration — January 12, 2026
Breakfast. We will then take an excursion to the mountain village of Chichicapam to meet a family of spinners who work with only the finest quality Churro sheep wool. We will have an opportunity to spin yarn using the drop-spindle (malacate) and purchase handspun yarn. Lunch will be enroute. Back in Teotitlan, we will continue with our weaving workshop. Overnight in Teotitlan del Valle. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
DAY 6 | Weaving workshop— January 13, 2026
Breakfast. Morning weaving workshop until 4:00 pm– we’ll be working on the frame loom to produce a sampler or wall hanging approximately 10” x 18” using the yarns prepared during the natural dye workshop. Lunch at the weaving studio. Afternoon on your own. Overnight in Teotitlan del Valle. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
DAY 7 | Weaving workshop and overnight in Oaxaca– January 14, 2026
Breakfast. Morning weaving workshop to continue working on and finishing projects. Box lunch at the studio. Depart for Oaxaca, but first we stop to visit an outstanding flying shuttle loom weaver in El Tule. Finale dinner at an excellent Oaxaca restaurant.
Overnight in Oaxaca City.
DAY 8 | Hasta luego! — January 15, 2026
Breakfast. Depart on flights home from Oaxaca airport. We will help arrange taxi transportation at your own expense. Stay on additional nights and join our extensions.
What Is Included
7 nights lodging
6 breakfasts
6 lunches
Grand Finale Gala Dinner in Oaxaca City
Van transportation
Complete guide and translation services
Natural dye, weaving, and spinning workshops, materials, and instruction
Artisan demonstrations
Conversations about textiles, culture, community
Authentic, locally prepared foods
The tour does NOT include airfare, taxes, tips, travel insurance, liquor or alcoholic beverages, some meals, and local transportation as specified in the itinerary. We reserve the right to substitute artisans, guides, and alter the program as needed.
Cost • $3,350 double room with private bath (sleeps 2) • $3895 single room with private bath (sleeps 1)
Extensions:
January 15: Oaxaca Walking Tour, ½ day: Visits to textile artisans and galleries, $145 per person (does not include meals or lodging) (2 people minimum needed to hold this)
January 16: Ocotlan Highway Tour, full day: Visits to villages, woodcarvers, ceramic artists, embroiderers. Includes lunch and transportation. (does not include breakfast or lodging). $195 per person. (2 people minimum needed to hold this)
How to Register: First, complete the Registration Form and send it to us and tell us which payment method you want to use to make your deposit: Zelle (no fee) or credit card (4% fee). See below.
Reservations and Cancellations. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required payable to Norma Schafer, Oaxaca Cultural Navigator LLC, to guarantee your spot. The balance is due in two equal payments. The second payment of 50% of the balance is due on or before August 15, 2025. The third 50% payment of the balance is due on or before November 1, 2025. We accept payment using a Zelle transfer (no fees) or a credit card (4% service fee). When you complete the registration form and send it to us, we will send you a request for deposit. After November 1, 2025, there are no refunds. If you cancel on or before November 1, 2025 we will refund 50% of your deposit received to date, less the $500 non-refundable reservation deposit. After that, there are no refunds.
If we cancel for whatever reason, we will offer a 100% refund of all amounts received to date, less the non-refundable deposit.
All documentation for plane reservations, required travel insurance, and personal health issues must be received 45 days before the program start or we reserve the right to cancel your registration without reimbursement.
NOTE: If you have walking impediments or you rely on other travelers for personal assistance, then this is not the trip for you. Oaxaca city is close to 6,000 feet altitude. We travel to villages that are 7,000 feet altitude. For altitude or motion sickness, please consult your doctor and come prepared with adequate medications. We recommend that all travelers have up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations and bring two antigen testing kits to test along the way. We also recommend RSV and Flu vaccines.
How to Register: First, complete the Registration Form and email it to us. We will then send you a request to make your reservation deposit.
Terrain, Walking and Group Courtesy: We recommend you bring a walking stick and wear sturdy shoes. Traveling with a small group has its advantages, and also means that independent travelers will need to make accommodations to group needs and schedules. We include plenty of free time to go off on your own.
December 12 is recognized throughout Mexico as a Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, when she appeared as an apparition and miraculously changed the course of history in Latin America. In Oaxaca today, there will be parades and masses and people lighting votive candles to honor the woman who symbolically brought indigenous peoples under the fold of Catholicism brought by the Conquest.
If you are in Oaxaca and want to participate in observances, here is the link https://maps.app.goo.gl/oWm8RmQteTSHqi8j6 to get you to the Iglesia de Guadalupe (Guadalupe church).
My friend Linda Hanna who has been a Oaxaca textile maven for years, celebrates with an annual gathering at her home in Huayapam. Invited participants create a Virgin from piles of findings — fabrics, ribbons, buttons bric a brac, amulets, and milagros. Some years back, Linda worked with weavers, embroiderers and dyers from throughout Mexico to recreate images of the Virgin of Guadalupe in cloth — clothing, wall hangings, table coverings. It was spectacular and there is a book dedicated to what was created and the artisans who contributed.
Guadalupe is NOT a saint. She is Our Lady of Guadalupe, Giver of Miracles. She is more popular than Mary, Jesus, or any other dieties in Mexico. In fact, she is celebrated in the Spanish-speaking world where the Conquest aimed to convert indigenous people to the new religion. She became the embodiment of Mary, but much more important because she blends the old beliefs with the new — called syncretism.
In pre-Hispanic Mexico, she is Corn Goddess. She is Mother Earth. Protectress. She is Tonantzin. Guadalupe, or Lupita as many call her, sings to us as a spiritual symbol, especially for women. She is Queen, robed in finery, but also of the people.
I’ve written a lot about the Virgin of Guadalupe. If you want to know more, please click on these links.
A symbol of identity and resistance, especially during the Mexican Revolution
A unifying figure, blending cultures
Celebrated with pilgrimages, religious services, dances, music and cultural festivities
For women, the Virgin of Guadalupe symbolizes strength, identity, hope, and protection. Her image transcends religion, and that is why she appeals to so many women worldwide. She is an emblem in social and political contexts, seen as a compassionate and loving mother who understands struggles and provides comfort. She is believed to watch over and protect families. As a symbol of feminine strength, she offers an alternative to colonialism. As a symbol of endurance, she speaks to women who struggle against poverty, violence, and marginalization. She has been reframed by contemporary writers as a figure of defiance and transformation. Activists have reclaimed her as a protector of marginalized and oppressed women.
This is why it is palatable to embrace, honor, respect, and light a candle for the Virgin of Guadalupe. She is not a religious symbol to me, but one that speaks to social justice and advocacy for equality.
Posted onTuesday, November 12, 2024|Comments Off on Day 2: Shop Wool from Norma’s Oaxaca Closet: Deep Discounts
Ends Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 3 PM! Perfect for winter warmth.
For years, I’ve stored beautiful wool hand wovens from Oaxaca and Chiapas in a cedar chest that Teotitlan del Valle carpenter Elias made for me. This cedar chest is called a baule, which traditionally is gifted at Zapotec weddings to store valuables and clothing that need protection from critters. They always had a lock and were often painted with the name of the bride and the date of marriage. I will return to the USA at the end of the coming week and offer these to you as part of my collection that I’m paring down. Many of these texxtiles are naturally dyed and artisan made. I have treasured them because I know everyone who has created them. Some are pieces were purchased years ago, so they have collector value. Most have never been or rarely been worn. So, very much LIKE NEW.
Please purchase before 3 PM on November 14. I will be packing them to take with me when I return to New Mexico for the winter holidays and mail them to you after November 20 — just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Perfect for wearing or gifting!
Pieces are priced FAR BELOW what was paid for them. Priced to SELL.
How to Buy: Send me an email to tell me which item(s) you want BY NUMBER and by name of item. Send me your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number. Tell me if you want to purchase using a Zelle transfer or a credit card. If you use a credit card, we add a 4% service fee. There is no extra fee for using Zelle. If you want Zelle, please tell me how your Zelle account is registered. For mailing, I will add a $14 packing and mailing charge. I am NOT putting these items for sale in the SHOP — only here!
Thank you!
#1 Indigo Poncho
#1. Indigo Poncho handwoven in Teotitlan del Valle by master weaver Roman Gutierrez Ruiz. He is an invited exhibitor at the Feria de Chapala, Original in Mexico City, and expoventas at the Museo Textil de Oaxaca. Román Gutiérrez Ruiz is a third generation weaver, taught this craft by his family as their business. There are currently 5 people in their workshop — spinning, carding, embroidering, and sewing.
Teotitlán del Valle is famous for its pedal loom rugs. Román has been teaching at the center of arts of San Agustin Etla for 12 years and about 6000 students have passed through his workshop. He has won numerous awards include the FONART Presidential Grand Prize, and the National Great Works of Popular Art Living Legends. One size fits all. Measures: 30″ long from neck V to hem, and 43″ wide from shoulder to shoulder. Priced reduction: $195 down from $245.
#2. Chiapas PomPom Throw
#2. Hand-woven on the back strap loom in San Juan Chamula, Chiapas, this is a versatile textile that can be used as a shawl, a throw, or just a decorative textile. The wool comes from brown Churro sheep brought to the America’s by the Spanish. It is hand-carded on the drop spindle loom. This textile is very soft and wearable. The pom poms are handmade from dyed wool. Measures 24″ wide x 68″ long. Prices to sell at $85.
#3 Puebla Quechquemitl
SOLD. #3. A warm brown quechquemitl woven on the back strap loom high in the mountains in the State of Puebla. Natural wool with hand embroidered threads colored with natural dyes. See the elaborate fringes. A soft, luscious fabric very comfortable to wear. This is a pre-Hispanic garment worn by indigenous women original woven with cotton. Easy on and off — just pull it over your head. Wear like a short poncho. The Spanish conquest brought wool to the Americas. Measures 29″ long from neck V x 38″ wide across the shoulder. Priced to sell at $145.
#4 Mixtec Poncho
#4. From Remigio Mestas’ curated collection at Los Baules de Juana Cata, this Mixtec poncho is woven on the back strap loom from soft, natural sheep wool. Note the red cochineal accent strip that runs along both edges of the textile. The randa, joining stitch, is fine and well executed. A perfect piece for winter warmth that will carry you will into chilly spring evenings. Beautiful drape! Priced reduction: $145 down from $195.
#5 Indigo Ombre Shawl
SOLD. #5. Glorious soft white wool woven on the flying shuttle loom by our friend Arturo Hernandez in Mitla, it is dyed with three shades of indigo. The hand-twisted fringes are masterful. If you love indigo, this piece shows off all the color variations of the first, second and third dye baths. Measures 27″ wide by 89″ long — long enough to wrap around your neck two or three times! Priced to sell at $145.
#6 Tlahuitoltepec Shawl
SOLD. #6. A luscious medium blue shawl with a very intricate hand-knotted fringe from the Mixe village of Tlahuitoltepec about two and a half hours beyond the Valles Centrales de Oaxaca high in the Sierra Madre del Sur. This beautiful indigo shawl is colored with naturally dyed wool. It takes months to tie a fringe this detailed. Measures 24″ wide x 82″ long. Priced to sell at $135.
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 Connectionand 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
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.
Arts organizations, museums, designers, retailers, wholesalers, curators, universities and others come to us to develop artisan relationships, customized itineraries, meetings and conferences. It's our pleasure to make arrangements.
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
Our Shop is UNABLE TO ACCEPT ONLINE PAYMENTS until we migrate to a NEW WEBSITE. Stay tuned! If there is something you want to purchase, send us an email.
January 8-15, 2026: Oaxaca Textiles, Craft + Culture Tour Plus Workshops with Taos Wools. Participate in weaving, natural dyeing workshops, and hand-spinning experience. Explore the Tlacolula Market, meet artisans, immerse yourself in Zapotec culture and history. In collaboration with Taos Wools.
January 22-February 2, 2026:Guatemala, Here We Come. A cultural immersion tour into the textiles and folk art of Mayan people. Off-the-Beaten-Path. Adventure travel. Into the rainforest. Indigo dye workshop and MORE!
March 3-11, 2026: Chiapas Textile Study Tour: Deep Into the Maya World. Based in San Cristobal de las Casas, we introduce you to some of the best weavers in the region, into off-the-beaten-path remote villages where culture and tradition remain strong.
Oaxaca Coast Textile Study Tour -- January 2026
Michoacan Monarch Buttterflies, Folk Art + Textiles -- Early February 2026
Oaxaca has the largest and most diverse textile culture in Mexico! Learn about it.
When you visit Oaxaca immerse yourself in our textile culture: How is indigenous clothing made, what is the best value, most economical, finest available. Suitable for adults only. Set your own dates.
One-Day Tours: Schedule When YOU Want to Go!
Ruta del Mezcal One-Day Tour.We start the day with a pottery master and then have lunch with a traditional Oaxaca Cook, who is the mole-making expert. In Mitla, we meet with our favorite flying shuttle loom weaver, and then finish off with a mezcal tasting at a palenque you may NEVER find on your own! Schedule at your convenience!
Teotitlan del Valle Map with select rug weavers, restaurants, village attractions
Tlacolula Market Map -- where to find food, shopping, ATMs, and more
Our Favorite Things to Do in Oaxaca -- eating, shopping, gallery hopping + more
We require 48-hour advance notice for orders to be processed. We send a printable map via email PDF after your order is received. Please be sure to send your email address. You can click here to Buy Map. After you click, you can check PayPal to double-check you included your email address. We fulfill each order personally. It is not automatic.
