Synopsis:

Meeting artisans where they live and work affords an opportunity to intimately learn about and appreciate what is made by hand. Today’s presentation focuses on two outstanding weaving cooperatives in remote villages of Oaxaca and Chiapas to explore techniques, cultural appreciation, and the social and political context in which textiles are made. We take a deep dive into natural dyes, back strap loom weaving techniques, and challenges women face as they attempt to bring their work to the marketplace. We will engage in a lively discussion about cultural appropriation, what it means, and how it impacts communities.

Speaker Bio:

Norma Schafer founded Oaxaca Cultural Navigator in 2007. Since then, she has offered workshops in weaving and natural dyeing, and taken travelers on tours to explore the weaving culture throughout Mexico with a particular interest in Oaxaca and Chiapas. 63% of tour goers come back! She has been living in Oaxaca since 2005 with the Chavez Santiago family of weavers in Teotitlan del Valle. Norma served in administrative leadership positions at Indiana University, University of Virginia, George Washington University, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,  retiring in 2011. She holds a B.A. from California State University at Northridge, and the M.S. from University of Notre Dame.