Naturally dyed wool rugs

Coopertiva Vida Nueva

Vida Nueva is a group of Zapotec women from Teotitlán del Valle; an indigenous community with a years long history in weaving wool.

Our techniques have been inherited for generations, that is why each rug carries with it the enormous value of our culture and our traditions.

vida nueva artisan carding wool with basket of raw wool
dark blue orange yellow border artisan hand on handmade woven rug
vida nueva oaxacan artisan spinning wool thread on wheel
artisan artist mixing bright color natural dye in glasses
young woman artisan hand rolling white thread fringe on white and gray rug

Our Story

Historically, only men had the right to weave, but 55 years ago women began to for part of this incredible tradition, and now form part of that great ancestral legacy. In 1996 we decided to create Vida Nueva, a cooperative of only female weavers, whose members include widows, mothers and young women. Through our workshop we are able to provide economic opportunities for them as well as other women like us. At Vida Nueva we support each other through struggles and challenges, and uplift ourselves by creating pieces that give us great joy.

 

Our rugs are the result of sharing craft techniques and new ideas among us so that each member can share in the creativity, effort and inspiration we generate together.

vida nueva woven rug bright colors black border white fringe
vida nueva artisan washing material in oaxacan creek river
vida nueva artisan hand rolling white thread fringe white and yellow rug