María Luisa MENDOZA RUIZ

master weaver

OAXACA CITY, MEXICO

María Luisa Mendoza Ruiz is the co-owner and founder of Casa Cruz, a renowned textile gallery in the community of Teotitlán del Valle. A master of natural dyes and an expert weaver, she is also a dedicated homemaker and an exceptional cook.

Born and raised in Teotitlán del Valle, located in Oaxaca’s Central Valleys, María Luisa is proudly Zapotec. She remains deeply connected to her roots, preserving her traditions, language, and culture.

Alongside her husband, Fidel Cruz, she has devoted years to researching and reviving the ancestral technique of natural dyeing, with a special focus on cochineal red and indigo. Their work is known for its high-quality textiles, featuring unique and exclusive designs.

Her passion for nature and textiles has led her and her family to showcase their artistry in prestigious museums and international fairs, including the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Exploratorium Museum in San Francisco, California, and the Ellipse Art Center Museum in Arlington, Virginia. She has also shared her expertise at esteemed institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Art and Princeton University in California.

María Luisa’s mission is to highlight the richness of nature, demonstrating how it provides the dyes for her textiles. She is dedicated to preserving the authenticity of ancestral craftsmanship, distinguishing it from mass-produced commercial products.

She loves to share her knowledge with visitors, teaching them about the responsibility of using natural products while imparting her deep appreciation for her culture and family. A true Zapotec alchemist, her artistry extends beyond textiles—just as her cooking is irresistibly flavorful, her colors are vivid, unique, and unmatched.