The Master: Demetrio Bautista

Live and study with Demetrio Bautista and his family in their rural Mexican home and studio in the village of Teotitlan del Valle in the state of Oaxaca.

Demetrio is considered by Mexican and international weavers to be one of the best rug weavers of his generation. He began weaving at age 7 at his grandfather’s side. Now in his 30’s, he has held solo exhibits in both Mexico and the US and has been featured in the book, Zapotec Weavers (Museum of New Mexico Press) as well as The Oaxacan Times (an English language publication for visitors). He is known for his extensive natural dye palette (over 300 colors) and innovative designs based on tradition.

Demetrio's wife Maribel is also an accomplished weaver and dyer. Additionally she spins, as is traditional in Mexican weaving families. Maribel is related to another famous weaving family in the village, the Vasques, who are known for their red Cochineal dyes.

Oaxaca is the central wool rug tapestry (tapeda) village in Mexico. The family and most of the people in the village are part of the indigenous group called Zapotec, as are many the people in the state. They learned to weave on floor looms obtained from the Spanish over 400 years ago but quickly made the techniques their own. Their weaving greatly influenced the Navajo weavers in the American Southwest, with whom they traded designs and dye secrets.

You can learn more about Demetrio and his family from their web site at http://www.teotitlan.com.