The palma is harvested from the local valleys and plateaus in their region, dried out in the sun briefly and then cut and woven into the baskets you see today. The black dye is natural and is done by soaking the palma in a boiling mixture of 3 natural minerals and plants. The rocky face of the mountain has provided them with many small caves and shaded areas created by protruding rocks, which allows them to weave in a cooler and wetter environment than the dry and hot weather that is usually found in town. This allows for the palma to be more malleable. Typically, 10-12 women get together in a neighbor’s cave to work for a few hours while discussing daily events.
The rustle of palm leaves fills the cave as small particles of palm float in the air. They sit on palm mats they themselves wove, and talk and laugh, the “ch” “kwa '' of the Mixteco language echoing in the cave. Their hope is that their artesania can be recognized and bring them more opportunities to sell their artesania worldwide.
