Here we have Mariano, President of the co-operative of one of the artisans groups that we partner with in Teotitlán del Valle holding the rug that we have on sale on behalf of his artisans. This co-operative was established in May 2004. It's 21 members include 8 women and 13 men, all artists originating from Teotitlán del Valle, which was one of the first villages founded by the Zapotec's in this area in 1465. It retains its Zapotec culture and language to this day. For this co-operative, their mission is to work together in solidarity in an atmosphere fostering equality and fairness, and to produce textiles of the best quality with natural organic dyes. Members also aim to take care of their health as well as the community’s environment to promote social, cultural, and economic development simultaneously.