Reserve enough time to visit Teotitlán’s [1] community museum Balaa Xtee Guech Gulal (tel. 951/524-4463, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tues.–Sun.) whose name translates from the local Zapotec as “Shadow of the Old Town.” It’s on the north side of Hidalgo, about a block east of Juárez.
Step inside and enjoy the excellent exhibits that illustrate local history, industry, and customs. One display shows the wool-weaving tradition, introduced by the Dominican padres, including sources of some natural dyes—cochinilla (red cochineal), musgo (yellow moss and lichens), anil (dark blue indigo), and quizache bean (black).
Another exhibit shows the local practice of service to the bride’s parents by a prospective groom, with a house mock-up showing the prospective bride making tortillas for him. Be sure to get a copy of the good English-language explanatory pamphlet.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oaxaca/oaxaca-valley/east-textile-route/teotitlan-del-valle