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Our Story: Weaving History Since the 1930s

Weaving Dreams, Preserving Heritage: The Black Sheep Story

Black Sheep’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of family legacy and artistic passion. From its humble beginnings in 1930s Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, to its current status as an internationally recognized brand, Black Sheep has woven a rich tapestry of tradition and innovation. Through three generations, the family has overcome challenges, including migration and economic hardships, to keep their Zapotec weaving heritage alive. Today, under the guidance of the third generation, Black Sheep continues to create exquisite handwoven rugs that are not just decorative pieces, but living artifacts of Zapotec culture. Each rug tells a story of perseverance, creativity, and the unbreakable bonds of family, embodying the spirit of their ancestors who laid the foundations for future generations of master weavers. These artists, led by Enrique and Sara’s children—M. Alberto, Ricky, and Donaji—are not only upholding the high standards of quality that define Black Sheep’s work but are also innovating by integrating new techniques and designs into traditional Zapotec rugs. Their efforts ensure that each piece is a tribute to their heritage and an example of how tradition can be blended with modernity to create something truly unique. The legacy of Black Sheep Farm & Weavings endures, with every thread woven being a testament to the pride, love, and dedication.

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Today, under the leadership of Enrique and Sara’s children—M. Alberto, Ricky, and Donaji—Black Sheep Farm & Weavings thrives as a testament to the enduring spirit of Zapotec artistry. As third-generation weavers, they bring innovation to traditional techniques, ensuring that each rug is a masterpiece that honors the past while embracing the future."

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Our history

In the heart of Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, a story unfolds that transcends generations and borders. Black Sheep, more than a brand of handwoven rugs, is the living testimony of a Zapotec family that has woven its destiny with threads of tradition, perseverance, and innovation.

It all began in the 1930s when Enrique and Soledad, visionary Zapotecs, laid the foundation for what would become an artisanal empire. Their ingenuity in crafting sheep’s wool yarn not only met local needs but planted the seed of a greater dream: to elevate the art of weaving to unprecedented levels.

The path was not easy. Benjamin, son of the pioneers, was forced to seek sustenance in distant lands, participating in the Bracero program. This twist of fate, seemingly adverse, was actually the bridge that would connect two worlds and two generations of artisans.Enrique R. de Los Angeles, heir to this legacy, grew up among the echoes of a dormant art.

With a heart full of childhood memories and hands eager to create, he worked tirelessly in the fields of California and Arizona. Each drop of sweat was a silent promise to return and revive his grandparents’ dream.

In 2001, Enrique and his wife Sara returned to their homeland, armed with modest savings and an unstoppable vision. Their rugs were not mere decorative objects; they were canvases narrating the story of their people, capturing the very essence of Teotitlán del Valle in every thread.

Recognition was not long in coming. From the coasts of Washington to the plains of Texas, through prestigious universities like Stanford, Black Sheep rugs became ambassadors of Zapotec culture, carrying with them the spirit of generations.

Today, under the guidance of M. Alberto, Ricky, and Donaji, the third generation of master weavers, Black Sheep continues its evolution. They preserve the essence of their roots while embracing innovation, creating pieces that are bridges between the past and the future.Each Black Sheep rug is more than a work of art; it’s a piece of history, a fragment of dreams, and the testimony of a family that has woven its destiny with golden threads. When acquiring one of these pieces, you’re not just taking home a rug, but a part of the Zapotec soul, a legacy that will endure for generations.