The thread of Oaxaca has been interwoven with my life for more than fifteen years.I first came to visit for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).In the spirit of the fiesta, I did all that local legend claimed would ensure my return: eating chapulines (fried grasshoppers), pan de muertos (dead bread) and trying a bit of meszcal.True to local legend, I have returned time and time again over the years ,each time to discover something new.
Oaxaca is the fifth largest state in the republic of Mexico and the third poorest.Home to seven distinct regions and sixteen different dialects, Oaxaca is strong in tradition and rich in culture.Oaxaca City, where I spend most of my time, is a passageway for many to sell their wares as tourism is the main industry here.Nearby villages each have their own dialects, costumes and specialties, be it weaving, pottery,carved wooden animals.Everyday life is woven with the infusion of these threads in brilliant color,sound and spirit that are limitless!
My own personal interest in costume and textiles was piqued with the diversity that I have found here.Textiles and costume are such an integral part of human existence: for function, adornment, identity.Here traditional techniques are still employed from methods of cultivating fiber, extracting dyes from nature, hand spinning yarn and weaving. Identity is woven into the cloth and pride of place becomes functional adornment.
Progress and "the global village" have slowly cast their threads upon this cultural loom.There is a growing awareness of the need to conserve and preserve the traditional.
Through the generosity of the Art Institute of Philadelphia, I have been granted a sabbatical- a marvelous opportunity to investigate,learn and explore more of this woven culture.Through this journal, I invite you to join me on my journey.
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