MEXICAN ARTISAN MASTERS
With Maison Mitla I wanted to showcase artisanal talent from my homeland so it’s an honor to work with the ladies from the Yoo Ita Collective who with their hands preserve our textile heritage
A STORY OF WOMEN
THE WEAVERS
The ladies of the Yoo Ita Collective are without a doubt one of the most organized and blossoming artisan groups I've met. Conscious of the treasure they possess, they actively teach and pass on their knowledge to future generations. Very active on social media and savvy business women, they’ve successfully preserved and implanted our ancestral textile tradition in the 21st century, proving handcrafted is still alive and thriving.
THE GIFT FROM THE ANCESTORS
THE BACK STRAP LOOM
Used since pre colonial times, the loom has not changed much. After dying the threads and letting them dry a few days, the artisan arranges her loom with over 700 of these threads arranged in a specific way according to the design she wants to make. This alone can take up an entire afternoon. Then, magically, out of the weaver’s imagination will come out the motifs and patterns, aligned in a beautiful symmetry.
it all has meaning
THE MOTIFS
The designs, motifs and patterns on the textile are all part of the local Mixtec iconography. Depicting flora, fauna or society, they tell a story and capture moments. The wild flowers and centipede motifs that represent nature blossoming. The “señoritas” holding hands to symbolize friendship. Each weaver tells a story through her cloth.
Handcrafted textiles
THE GIFT OF TIME
Each artisan weaves from her home, at her own rhythm, at her perfect pace. Weaving between the millions of things women do everyday. Yes, handmade textiles take more time to make than factory ones, but this is the artisan’s gift to you, her time and talent. This is the beauty of it all. Slowing down and weaving through life.
Meet our partners
yoo ita weaver's collective
Strong, wise, talented, determined, joyful, funny, proud, open hearted. Just a few words to describe the ladies of Yoo Ita.