Ye shall know them by their aprons

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Ye shall know them by their aprons

July 20, 2018 by spixl

As I’ve mentioned before, the ubiquitous aprons (mandiles) worn by the Zapotec women of the valley of Oaxaca have been elevated to an art form. Each village has developed their own unique style and none is more distinctive than those worn by the women of San Miguel del Valle.

Their full-skirted pinafore style aprons, made from poly-cotton plaid fabric, are elaborately machine-embroidered with colorful flowers and birds. Worn daily, they are the “uniform” of the women of the village beginning when they are little girls. And, most women have a wardrobe full — one to match each dress.

Thanks to microfinancing assistance from Fundación En Via, many of the women have developed profitable businesses selling these aprons and also have branched out to making tote bags and purses. The Fundación recently held a 3-day expo-venta in Oaxaca city and guess what I came home with?

I’m hoping to go on one of the Fundación microfinancing tours next month — to meet and learn from the women who benefit and to further contribute to this worthwhile endeavor. Empowering women empowers communities!

Posted in Creativity, Culture, Economics, Textiles, Travel & Tourism | Tagged aprons, embroidery, expo-venta, Fundación En Via, mandiles, Mexico, microfinancing, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, San Miguel del Valle, textile arts, textile traditions | 10 Comments

10 Responses

on July 20, 2018 at 12:42 pm | Reply Devik Wyman

I’ve always loved these aprons. Guatemala has some amazing aprons, too. They’re called delantales there. You found a fabulous one!
- on July 21, 2018 at 7:24 am | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks, Devik! I always find it interesting (and a little confounding) the way Spanish differs between countries and even within Mexico.
on July 20, 2018 at 1:53 pm | Reply connie verduzco

thanks as always for posting such interesting subjects and beautiful pics
- on July 21, 2018 at 7:21 am | Reply spixl
  
  Thank you, Connie!
on July 20, 2018 at 2:07 pm | Reply Jill

You purchased a particularly beautiful apron! We went on an En Via tour a few years ago and have sent monthly support ever since. I love the idea of supporting women at what they do best.
- on July 21, 2018 at 7:20 am | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks, Jill. From what I’ve read, microfinancing women has been very successful all over the world.
on July 20, 2018 at 3:11 pm | Reply Debbie Leal

Hola!

I love these aprons. How can I purchase some if these, maybe in bulk?

Debbie Leal Leal’s Restaurants Muleshoe & Amarillo Texas Amarillo Texas 79102

On Fri, Jul 20, 2018, 12:35 PM View From Casita Colibrí wrote:

> spixl posted: “As I’ve mentioned before, the ubiquitous aprons (mandiles) > worn by the Zapotec women of the valley of Oaxaca have been elevated to an > art form. Each village has developed their own unique style and none is > more distinctive than those worn by the women of” >
- on July 21, 2018 at 7:19 am | Reply spixl
  
  My suggestion would be to contact Fundación EnVia . Perhaps they can arrange a purchase for you.
on July 21, 2020 at 4:41 pm | Reply Monica Romero

como puedo conseguir esos mandiles
- on July 21, 2020 at 5:19 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Contacto Fundación En Vía