Zapotec: Weavers of Teotitlan [Paperback]

Andra Fischgrund Stanton (Author), Jaye R. Phillips (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1999

The Spanish introduced wool yarns and the fixed-frame pedal loom of a type still in use today. The Mexican Revolution saw a celebration of indigenous crafts and the opening of the Pan-American Highway in 1948 brought Teotitlan's weavers to the craft markets of Oaxaca. American importers in the 1970s infused textile production with new energy, resulting in today's dizzying variety of works that range from modernist motifs to Navajo geometrics to ancient and historical patterns reprised in vivid and colourful contemporary designs. Zapotec weavers express their sense of well-being and belonging in what they weave, and the tapestries and rugs that are currently produced reconcile ancient history with the ways of the 21st century marketplace.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

More and more Native Americans are finding that their traditional crafts can provide a living today. The growing interest in collecting these crafts has created a need for books that define the quality of the work available. These two entries in the Southwest weaving category show that the traditions of the past are being intertwined with modern artistic concepts. The traditions of the Zapotec weavers, who come from a small village near Oaxaca City, Mexico, go back to the early colonial era. At times, the rugs and serapes of these weavers reflect the old patterns, but there is a burst of new vigor with the incorporation of Navajo themes, designs from old ruins and pictographs, and even takes on Picasso and Rivera. Community life and the process of wool preparation and dying are effectively chronicled, as are the varied and astonishingly vibrant rugs. The weavers of Chimayo, NM, are the Trujillo family, five generations who have also used traditional themes but who diverge into experimental forms. Their rugs, also done on a floor loom, are colorful variations on Navajo and Hopi themes. The text interweaves family history with methods and includes a 15-page catalog for "limited edition" purchase. Both books include "Where To Buy" sections and are for specialized collections of Native American arts.AGay Neale, Southside Virginia Community Coll. Lib., Alberta, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Written from the perspective of Teotiteco merchants, some master artisans, and U. S. importers, this book is a useful guide to Teotiteco textiles. The outstanding photographs provide stunning illustrations of the wide range of beautiful colors, designs, and techniques found in Zapotec textiles. The book demonstrates the creativity and aesthetic talents of these long-time weavers. -- Lynn Stephen, author of Zapotec Women

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 115 pages
• Publisher: Museum of New Mexico Press (1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890133344
• ISBN-13: 978-0890133347
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #421,413 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent work on Zapotec culture, November 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Zapotec: Weavers of Teotitlan (Paperback)

I have lived and worked in Oaxaca, Mexico for over 30 years. My parents and I went there for the first time in 1965. They stayed and built a life there. Over the years I financed my many trips to see them with import and export between the two countires. During those times of importing rugs from Teotitlan, woven goods from Mitla, pottery and wooden animals from various villages, I built strong relationships with the Zapotec Indians. I still visit and see them several time per year. Imagine my delight when I opened up Ms. Stanton's fine book and saw familiar faces, patterns of tapestries and rugs that I had been a part of, and an in depth exploration of the Zapotec reality in a changing world. This is a well written book, with a deep cultural understanding, and a fine display and history of those wonderful rugs that the Zapotecs of Teotitlan del Valle continue to produce. If you are going to buy one book that is high in quality and gives a real glimpse into the lives of the Oaxacan Indians....this it it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy Before You Fly, December 4, 2001

By 

Deborah "Deborah" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zapotec: Weavers of Teotitlan (Paperback)

This is an excellent book with gorgeous photos of Zapotec rugs and weavings. I recently returned from a trip to Oaxaca where I had the opportunity to visit the village of Teotitlan and purchase some rugs from one of the families featured in the book. I just wish I had read the book before I went so that I could appreciate the beautiful examples that I saw even more. Besides the information on the laborious process of making the rugs, the book tells the differences and qualities that make some "works of art" and some imitations. And in telling the story of the weavings, the friendliness and pride of the weaving families must be told. I will treasure the book as well as my memories of the village of Teotitlan and her people.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on Teotitlán del Valle weaving/ weavers, January 7, 2003

By 

JDiver "You haven't lived until you've dived." (Roseville, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Zapotec: Weavers of Teotitlan (Paperback)

This book is well-written as well as thoughtfully and lavishly illustrated, giving one a true insight into the famous Zapotec weavers of this lovely and traditional Oaxacan community. Zapotec precolumbian traditions are mentioned, and the illustrations show many steps in creating dies, yarns and weavings ranging from the traditionally inspired to the most avant garde, from natural dies to the use of anilines and naturally colored churro wools.

As one who has spent time learning to appreciate the arts of weaving and embroidery from weavers through Mexico and Guatemala, including a hospitable and skilled family in Teotitlán, I heartily recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the topic covered.