Comite Organizador de la Guelaguetza Popular Madera California
Madera, California, boasts a large Oaxacan community who are largely agricultural workers. The community has recognized that back strap weaving is one of the many traditions of the indigenous communities in Oaxaca, Mexico, that is almost non-existent with the move to California. A natural context of learning to weave from one’s female relatives has been disrupted. Girls might learn to weave from childhood the shawls, bags, tops and huipiles (dresses) and many other crafts. The community has identified several Triqui women and men who still weave.
As a 2016 grantee of ACTA’s Living Cultures Grants Program, the Comite Organizador de la Guelaguetza Popular Madera California will provide free weekly classes for (up to 8 per teacher) both youth and adults to learn the technique and craft of weaving.