Hand-weaved carpets (tapetes) and other Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico Shopping Tips

Name of Shop: Bug in the Rug

As part of a tour, I got a demonstration on how carpets are handweaved and dyed using natural pigments. This is an extremely intensive process, starting with the raw wool which they have to wash and spin into thread, before dying it with some natural dyes from pre-colonial times, then weaving it with a foot-operated loom!

What To Buy: The carpets are thick and very colourful, some in traditional patterns, while others are reproductions of paintings.

What To Pay: This is not the place to go if you want a cheap souvenir.

A 95 cms by 56 cms carpet goes for about $150. Larger ones for $300 and higher.

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Theme: Local Craft
Address: Teotitlan del Valle

Name of Shop: Doña Rosa's Shop

If you're with a group you'll be able to get a demonstration of the process here. Very interesting. The special clay is found only in this region, and the family turns the pieces with only a manually-operated wheel.

The glossy shine comes from rubbing the dried clay with a chunck of quartz! The baking process then turns the pottery black.

What To Buy: Go wild!

Note: The items are for decorative purposes only. You cannot use the jars or pots for cooking or storing liquids.

What To Pay: The pieces are well priced, starting around $2 for a small animal or box.

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Theme: Local Craft
Directions: San Bartolo Coyotepec is 23 kms south of Oaxaca on Highway 175.

Pottery shops are scattered along the east side of Juarez street, and there is also a Market.

Doña Rosa's is probably the best known shop though since she pioneered the process.