This popular rug design is referred to as the "eye of God", an important symbol to the Zapotecs. This simple but elegant design fits perfectly into western design themes and is very similar to the popular Pendleten blanket pattern. The weaving is designed by Armando Gutierrez who chose a natural sage green dye for this rug. The wool was dyed by using a moss from the rocks high in the Sierra Madres. The worker seen in the picture above is in the final step in the rug process. He will spend hours picking out any natural objects like stickers, seed shells etc. that have been woven into the rug.
In the last decade, this family has been my biggest supporter. Not only are they great weavers, but they are creative merchandisers as well. They are always looking for new ideas and ways to improve their business. Felipe and I, have been doing business together since the 1970's when he was a salesman for his uncle, Isaac Vasquez, probably the most famous weaver in the village. Now the same thing is happening all over again as I work directly with his two sons, Armando and Juan when I make my import selections and arrange for shipping to the United States.
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