Before I become completely immersed in the myriad of activities related to and surrounding Day of the Dead, I want to write a post about Porfirio Gutiérrez Contreras, another of the talented and creative weavers from Teotitlán del Valle I have come to know.
I first met Porfirio via my blog and we soon became Facebook friends. However, we didn’t actually meet in person until last November’s, Feria Exposición Maestros del Arte in Chapala, Jalisco. I made a beeline for his booth and introduced myself to him and his sister, Juana Gutiérrez Contreras. Porfirio’s recognition and warmth made me feel truly welcome — like we were long-lost friends.
While, as you can see from the video, The Weaver From The Place of Gods, Porfirio is soft-spoken, he is exceedingly passionate about his Zapotec heritage and the preservation of the textile traditions of his village. His knowledge, talent, and dedication led him to be one of four native artists to be chosen to participate in last year’s, Artist Leadership Program sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.
A key component of the Smithsonian program was, following their residency, each artist was charged with returning to their community to share their knowledge, with the goal of preserving the wisdom and techniques refined and handed down from their ancestors. I had the privilege of attending the awarding of certificates and exposition that concluded the 9-day workshop, given in Teotitlán by Porfirio and Juana. The exposition was entitled El Ritual de los Sueños and took as its inspiration the traditional fiber mat, known as the petate. It is on the petate where babies are delivered, dreams occur, and in which bodies are wrapped before being placed their grave.
The family’s studio is located at Calle Simon Bolivar #6, Teotitlán del Valle and I can assure you, visitors will be warmly welcomed. And, who knows, you may come away with beautiful new, naturally dyed, hand-loomed treasure.
I already have a place on the wall reserved for one of Porfirio’s distinctly designed tapetes and am now saving my pesos.
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
With your interest in textiles, you might want to know about a wonderful group that will be meeting in Oaxaca next May. http://weavearealpeace.org/ (WARP). Textile enthusiasts who believe in supporting traditional textiles and the artisans who create them around the world. Some members create textiles, some work in Fair Trade or museums, have written books, or have started artisan coops or led tours. The annual 2-day meeting is like a conference with presentations by various members. I’ve attended meetings near Lowell Ma (old woolen mills and quilt museum), St. Louis (wonderful art museum) and Santa Fe (Folk Art Market), and I’m looking forward to Oaxaca!
Thank you so much! I’ve subscribed to the WARP blog and will look forward to more information.
Hi, Devik. I’m looking forward to meeting you and all the WARP enthusiasts who will be in Oaxaca next June, 2017. I’m working with WARP’s Judy Newland, the program chair, to help organize the conference and I know there are going to be many talented presenters and a great EXPO Venta to enjoy! You might want to look at Textile Fiestas of Mexico guidebook by Sheri Brautigam. I have contributed two chapters with photos, just published by Thrums Books. Best, Norma
Hi Norma, Thanks so much for letting me know about the wonderful book. I loved your chapters. Am bringing 5 friends to Oaxaca for a week starting this Thursday. We can hardly wait! Devik
Is he coming to the Chapala feria this year? I will be there.
I don’t know. Did you check the Feria website? (link in 1st paragraph)
I love the range of colors produced by the natural dyes!
I see cactus pads hanging on racks behind Porfirio. Are those used to create the wonderful hues of green?
I am hoping to spend a day in Teotitlan when we come to Oaxaca in January.
If I wanted to purchase a tapete (around 3×5) made with natural dyes about how many pesos would I need to bring?
we have our offrenda all ready for DOD. It is exceptionally beautiful this year. I will send you a photo via email
enjoy the holiday…Bev
The nopal paddles with the cochineal insects are used for demonstration purposes. These are the insects that are used to produce the “perfect red.” For the quantity necessary for the amount of dying they do, they must purchase the cochinilla. As for cost of a 3×5 tapete woven with naturally dyed yarns, the prices can vary, but I would set aside at least $300. See you in January!
What a wonderful piece featuring Porfirio and the truly beautiful and inspirational textiles he and his talented family create, completely by hand using only natural elements and time-honored traditions. He is an exceptional talent, and an exceptional human being as well. -Barbra Bishop