Olga Jimenez

Artisan Organization: Olga Jimenez

Country: Mexico

"I was born in Teotitlan del Valle, a weaving town in Oaxaca. It is the land of sheep's wool and colorful handloomed textiles.

"You might say I have weaving in my blood. When I was 12, my parents began teaching me to weave. And so I learned the history and the essence of this beautiful tradition.

I work together with my husband, Mario Chavez, who is also a weaver. In the case of women, we learn at a very young age. It's a tradition that goes back to the 1500s.

"We had the natural pigments and knowledge of them. The Spaniards introduced the treadle loom. And it became a custom that women weave.

"What do I like best about my work? Why do I continue weaving day by day? I want to preserve this tradition that has made me the woman I am today.

"I want to teach my children this beautiful legacy, and this is my inspiration. I want them to observe the details of our craft, and discover the peace and satisfaction it brings.

"It's wonderful to be able to show my work to the world. For me, this art is part of my identity, and I want to encourage my community. Thank you for helping me preserve our Zapotec culture and its magic. I hope to continue this work.""