Fair Trade Handwoven Bags & Rugs

The purpose of Manos Zapotecas is to perpetuate the beautiful traditions and superb artistry of the Zapotec people of Oaxaca, Mexico by connecting them with socially conscious consumers around the globe. We strive to make a positive impact on the lives and communities of the artisans by nurturing lasting relationships and always abiding by fair trade principles. All of the handwoven wool bags are made from wool, shorn from sheep raised on the surrounding mountains in Oaxaca, Mexico. Every one of our wool artisan totes has been manufactured by hand in every step of the process, according to time-honored Zapotec traditions and with tremendous love and pride. Many of the designs seen in our fair trade purses are the same Zapotec patterns that the weavers’ ancestors etched into stone centuries ago. Our designers work closely with the weavers to incorporate traditional handwoven tribal designs with modern styles, the results of which are beautiful, expertly crafted and unique Zapotec bags. Whether a leather bottom tote bag or a tribal wool clutch, each MZ product holds an element of discovery, from the significance of each Zapotec design, to the bold color combinations, and most importantly, of the hands from which they come.