A charming mid–20th century Zapotec weaving from Oaxaca, Mexico, depicting a standing female figure in traditional dress. She wears a wide-brimmed red hat, a white blouse with puffed sleeves, and a striped skirt rendered in earthy tones. Her bold black hair and expressive features are woven with striking clarity, giving the figure a distinctive presence. Metal thread has been utilized in accents of the hat.
The figure is set against a rich green field, dotted with small geometric accents, and framed at top and bottom with narrow multicolor stripes in yellow, red, brown, and cream. Twisted fringe completes both ends.
These small pictorial rugs, often woven as samplers or decorative mats, were produced in Zapotec villages such as Teotitlán del Valle. They served as showcases of a weaver’s creativity, blending regional iconography with playful representation. This example highlights Oaxaca’s long-standing tradition of textile art that bridges daily life, costume, and imaginative expression.
In very good condition with light staining mostly to the fringes.
Size: 7" x 1'3" [18cm x 38cm]
Age: Midcentury
Country of Origin: Mexico
Type of Textile: Tapestry
Material: Wool with metal thread
Pile Height: Flatweave
Condition: Very good
TX590
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