Vintage Zapotec Oaxaca Wool Flatweave – Handwoven “Sun & Two Faces” Mexican Kilim, Wall-Hanging/Accent Rug

Hand-woven in the Zapotec tradition of Oaxaca, this striking flatweave features a stepped diamond “sunburst” medallion with two stylized faces and radiant arms—imagery rooted in Mesoamerican cosmology. The tight tapestry weave, saturated earth tones, and graphic motif make it as compelling on the floor as it is hung on a wall.

This is a Zapotec tapestry flatweave (kilim). The close-ups show a weft-faced plain weave with slit-tapestry joins where colors meet; there is no pile.

Side selvedges are reinforced in dark yarn; the short ends finish with colored weft bands/stripes (not fringe), another hallmark of Oaxaca workshop pieces.

Knot type

Not applicable—this is not knotted. It’s a slit-tapestry flatweave (weft dominates; warp is largely hidden).

Age

Condition, crisp edges, and intact end bands suggest late 20th–early 21st century (c. 1990s–2010s).

Maker’s marks / regional tell-tales

The serrated “sunburst” border, small rectangle emblems in the field, and the multi-band end stripes are common Zapotec workshop signatures

Materials

Hand-spun wool weft on a sturdy cotton or tightly spun wool warp (warp is mostly hidden; the hand and end finishing suggest cotton or tightly spun natural wool). Dyes appear to be a mix of traditional plant/insect palette and stable modern anilines typical of Oaxaca studios.

Features:

Type: Hand-woven Zapotec tapestry (kilim), reversible.

Size: 1.08 × 0.73 m (approximately 43" × 29").

Thickness: ~3–4 mm.

Weave density: Estimated ~18–22 weft rows per inch (tapestry count; no knot count).

Materials: Wool weft; cotton/tightly spun wool warp; stable natural/low-impact dyes.

Origin: Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Age: c. 1990s–2010s.

Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Ends secure, selvedges intact, even handle with minor, normal waviness from handweaving. No holes, stains, or repairs observed in the photos.

Authentic Zapotec workshop piece—graphic and collectible.

Reversible flatweave for floor or wall hanging.

Warm southwest / desert palette (brick, ochre, black, indigo, natural).

Durable, tightly beaten tapestry—great for entry, kitchen, office, studio, or as above-bed art.

Easy to style with boho, rustic, mid-century, eclectic, and modern interiors.

Care & use:

Use a rug pad to prevent slip and promote even wear (or a dowel for hanging).

Vacuum lightly with suction only (no beater bar). For walls, dust with a soft brush.

Rotate every 3–6 months to balance light and foot traffic; avoid prolonged direct sun.

Spot clean immediately: blot (don’t rub) with an absorbent cloth; for deeper cleaning, use a professional who knows flatweave textiles.


If hanging, support weight evenly along the top edge (sleeve or Velcro-on-canvas is ideal).
This one-of-a-kind Zapotec weaving carries the warmth of Oaxaca’s looms and the bold geometry of Mesoamerican art. Whether you display it on the floor or the wall, it will anchor your space with story and color. Add it to your cart and I’ll ship it carefully rolled and padded, ready to enjoy.