art
you
can
walk
on
every thread
tells a tale
In the heart of El Huizache Studio, each rug is woven with a story to tell. Every thread, every color, every pattern is a verse in a poem, a note in a melody, a brushstroke in a masterpiece. These rugs are more than textiles; they are narratives woven into existence, each echoing the rich cultural heritage of the Zapotec community.
Their signature lies in the meticulous craftsmanship of their skilled artisan family. They pour their heart and soul into every piece, handweaving each rug on a treadle loom—a process requiring skill, patience, and a profound understanding of traditional Zapotec techniques.
The result is cultural heritage, meticulous craftsmanship, and a deep respect for nature.
The vibrant colors of their rugs come from natural dyes made from the earth's elements: the Cochineal bug, Indigo plant, Wild Marigold flower, Pecan shell, Pomegranate, Zapotec fruit, Huizache bean, and moss from trees. Each dye adds a unique hue, making every rug a unique work of art, telling its own story. The dyeing process is a poem in itself, a dance of color and texture creating a symphony of hues.
Each rug celebrates the beauty of nature, pays tribute to the Zapotec cultural heritage, and stands as a testament to their commitment to sustainability. When you invest in a rug from El Huizache, you're not merely buying a product; you're becoming part of a story that spans generations.
Their rugs are "art you can walk on," pieces of history to touch, feel, and experience. They connect you to the past, celebrate the present, and promise the future. Each rug is a tale waiting to be narrated, a poem to be read, a song to be sung.
At El Huizache, they weave stories, and they invite you to join them. Become a collector of narratives, experience the beauty of Zapotec weaving, and discover the stories within each thread.
Welcome to their collection, where every rug is a story, and every story is your masterpiece.
our process
The creation of our rugs is a dance that begins with the selection of high-quality wool, spun into a yarn that sings with potential. The yarn is then bathed in natural dyes, each adding a unique hue and note to the symphony of colors that will become our rugs.
The dyed yarn is then woven on a treadle loom, a process that requires skill, patience, and a deep understanding of traditional Zapotec weaving techniques. Each rug is a testament to the weaver's passion for their craft, a piece of art that tells a story of cultural heritage, meticulous craftsmanship, and a deep respect for nature.
a statement from the artist
Alejandro Mendoza is the gifted weaver, entrepreneur, and artist behind El Huizache. From the historic Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle, nestled in Oaxaca, southern Mexico, Alejandro carries forward his grandfather's legacy, the El Huizache Zapotec Rug, now evolved into the El Huizache Studio.
A twist of fate brought Alejandro's family to Orange County, California, during his teenage years. Despite this geographical shift, Alejandro remained connected to his origins, traveling between his Orange County studio and Oaxaca. These commutes nurtured his artistic pursuit and deepened his cultural understanding.
The blend of Mexican and American experiences broadened Alejandro's horizons, highlighting the importance of preserving and showcasing weaving traditions.
During college, Alejandro had a pivotal stint working alongside his uncle, Antonio Mendoza, a master weaver. Under Antonio's guidance, Alejandro's skills flourished, and his passion soared.
A transformative juncture came with Alejandro's union with Veronica. Together, they embarked on a mission: conserving their heritage and breathing life into weaving traditions. Their joint efforts in their Orange County home studio and the Oaxaca family studio birthed splendid woven pieces and dyed wool yarns, giving their artistic vision form.
Today, Alejandro Mendoza radiates artistic brilliance, seamlessly weaving the threads of ancestral heritage and contemporary ingenuity. He champions the ancient Zapotec weaving tradition through his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication, blending his father's legacy with his unique artistic perspective. Alejandro's remarkable journey is a luminous inspiration for all who ardently safeguard their cultural heritage and share their creative gifts with the world.
