Learning to Weave

Weaving is a family affair in Teotitlán del Valle. Everybody from young children to adults has a role to play.

As early as four years old, children begin to learn to card wool, preparing it to be spun into wool. Around age eight, they begin learning to spin yarn.

The children begin working on the loom between thirteen and fifteen, working on weavings about 2.5' x 5.0'.

They begin first with simple straight lines. Once that is mastered, they begin learning grecas, a straight-edged design taken from old Mixtec temple ruins close by. From there, they progress to diamonds and other shapes.