Kayu'u gubiísh deæts duuv: agave sunset

Size: 60x100cm 

Master Weaver: Mario Bautista Martinez

Price: 270 USD

Materials and methods: criollo sheep wool handspun (for the background) and fine merino wool hand dyed with natural dyes: Beè (Dactylopius coccus Costa, cochineal), Yauhtli (Tagetes Lucida) and Xiuhquilitl (indigo, indigofera suffroticosa). Handwoven on a Zapotec style loom of the 16th century adapted from European styles. Woven using a 7 threads per inch reed and wool rayon blend for warp. 

Design, patterns and symbols.

This rug depicts a hald diamond of the Eye of the feather snake which we call the agave pattern, duuv, a word that is the same we use for feather. This is because the agave plant is a divine gift bestowed to humanity to provide many offerings so that in turn humans can keep the balance of the cosmic energy that sustains the gods. Agaves provide nutricious food in the form of syrups, our ancestors would bake the hearts of the agave and chew the syrup for energy and vitality. The agave leaves are among the first sources of fibres to make strings and ropes for hunting and gathering. The agave torns are used for sewing and piercing; once could even pull a needdle in a certain way and get a needle and a thread ready to be used. Agaves were processed to make Niís Duuv badaou (Mezcal) using earthen pots and reeds way before European contact. Mezcal is a spirit in the true sense of the word because when it is drunk, it elevates one's spirit towards the heavens. In this manner, the rug was woven using the warm colors of the sunset to represent that transition to the spirit realm.