This poster for a Feria del Carrizo arrived in my email inbox a few weeks ago. There are ferias (fairs) for just about everything, so why not, carrizo? Plus, I’d never been to San Juan Guelavía, though I’ve noticed the sign announcing its exit every time I’ve gone to or from Teotitlán del Valle and points south on route 190.
The uninitiated might ask, what is carrizo? As the Wikipedia entry advises, “Carrizo” should not be confused with “chorizo” the pork sausage. Carrizo (aka, Arundo donax, Spanish cane, Giant cane, Wild Cane, and Colorado River weed) is a tall perennial cane that one can easily spot growing along river banks in Oaxaca. (It kind of looks like bamboo.) In fact, if you see a stand of carrizo, you can be almost certain there is a stream nearby. Along with constructing shade structures, window coverings, and mezcal cups, one of its most common uses is in woven basketry.
They range from the simple and utilitarian to the elegant shapes and complex designs that make them a works of art.
And, to those in search of hard-to-find lamps and lampshades, check out the work of Teresa. With measurements of my cast iron standing lamp (in desperate need of a new lampshade) in hand, I plan to pay a visit, muy pronto, to her studio at 5 de mayo, #48 in San Juan Guelavía.
In the meantime, a-tisket, a-tasket I bought a carrizo basket. And, it’s already elicited several compliments!
Of course, when the band played, La Mayordomía, this little girl knew exactly what baskets are for!
Artistry under blue sky and sun, with delicious food, a terrific all-girl band, surrounded by warm and welcoming people. It was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday.
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View From Casita Colibrí 