Porfirio Gutiérrez

Porfirio Gutiérrez was born and raised in the rich and historic Zapotec textile community of Teotitlán del Valle in Oaxaca, Mexico. 

In Porfirio's family, the natural dyeing practice is seen as a spiritual process, where the basic understanding is to be mindful that mother earth is a living being with a tremendous force. All elements used for natural dyes, traditional medicine or foods, are grown thanks to the rain, soil, and other important sources provided by a greater being. These dyestuffs are sacred and precious to the Zapotec culture, and connects Porfirio's family with the great master dyers and weavers before them, who started these practices thousands of years ago.

Before dyeing begins, the plants, earth minerals and insects that the dyes are made from must be collected. These ingredients are gathered in the mountains above the village, grown in home gardens, and sometimes grown by neighbors who specialize in one element. After dyeing, the yarn is hung up to drip-dry. When it is dry, it is ready to be wound onto bobbins.

The family organizes workshops: In addition to covering preparation of dyestuffs, warping the loom, dyeing and weaving procedures, these workshops examine design technique and preparation of yarn for dyeing or color choice and thread counts per inch. These workshops are aimed at all levels, from complete beginner to skilled practicing dyer or weaver.

They are also selling Cochinea as whole (per kilo).