VIDA NUEVA

Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca

Vida Nueva is an all-women cooperative of Zapotec women from Teotitlan del Valle, an indigenous Mexican community with centuries of weaving history. Historically, only men were permitted to weave, but in the late 20th century the tradition loosened to allow women into the craft.

Vida Nueva, ‘new life,’ was formed in 1996 to support and encourage female weavers as they fought to gain equality and respect in the industry, while also committing their work to the preservation of their Zapotec heritage.

Using large floor looms, the women deftly weave 100% wool yarn hand-dyed from natural earth pigment, a very time consuming process, into stunning rugs and carpets. Their patterns and techniques have been passed down from generation to generation, and each ‘tapete’ is an expression of their unique culture

The cooperative’s mission extends beyond their handiwork to serve and better their community with various social and environmental projects, such as offering special cooking stoves that reduce harmful smoke and tending to the elder women every year on Mother’s Day.