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!
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View From Casita Colibrí 