Where You Can Find The Best Folk Art In Oaxaca

Oaxaca is the most diverse state in Mexico, with the richest history of indigenous peoples and, as a result, some of the most intriguing and vibrant folk art in the country. To this day, there are 16 separate indigenous groups spread across numerous villages, each of which is known for their own unique artworks, from rugs to pottery and everything in between. Here’s where you can find the best folk art in Oaxaca.

Teotitlán del Valle

Easily the most recognizable name when it comes to iconic Oaxacan folk art, Teotitlán del Valle (along with the neighboring town of Santa Ana del Valle) is best known for handwoven and natural dyed wool tapetes, a.k.a. rugs. Made laboriously by skilled craftspeople using pedal-operated looms, these rugs are often pricey but well worth the investment, not least for their artistic value but also for the economic support they provide to the families in these Oaxacan villages. Head off the main streets to support workshops that often get overlooked by tourists.

Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, México

Santa Ana del Valle, Oaxaca, México

1. Ocotlán

Market

Another Oaxacan town famed for clay, as well as having a vibrant and popular craft market, is Ocotlán, which shouldn’t be confused with the Jalisco town of Ocatlán. Here, you can also find green glazed pottery, along with tan glazed wares and the famed barro negro of the region. This latter style is arguably better associated with San Bartolo Coyotepec, but can also be picked up in Ocotlán if you’re short on time. Look out for clay figurines in this village too.

2. Zaachila

Market

Female potters and their barro negro creations

The final clay town we recommend stopping by when hunting for folk art in Oaxaca is Zaachila, another small region with a fantastic weekly market held each Thursday just south of Oaxaca City. Here you can pick up several beautifully crafted pieces of barro negrofor which the zone is known, alongside all kinds of other foodstuffs and handicraft products sold by vendors from their overflowing tables or simple rugs on the floor.

3. Villa de Etla

Market

Finally, while the market town of Villa de Etla is principally known for being the birthplace of Oaxaca’s famed and deliciously stringy quesillo cheese, it’s also got an artisanal crafting background and produces many woven palm products, such as hats, baskets and bags. Often, these products are vividly decorated with colorful geometric patterns that make them well worth spending a few pesos on.