Near Hhuaxpáltepec [1], at Santa María Huazolotitlán (ooah-shoh-loh-teet-LAN, pop. 3,000), several resident woodcarvers craft excellent masks. Local favorites are jaguars, lions, rabbits, bulls, and human faces. Given a photograph (or a sitting), one of them might even carve your likeness for a reasonable fee (figure perhaps $40–60). Near the town plaza, ask for Che Luna, Lázaro Gómez, or Idineo Gómez, all of whom live in the town barrio Ñií Yucagua.
Textiles are also locally important. Look for the colorfully embroidered animal and floral motif huipiles, manteles, and servilletas (native smocks, tablecloths, and napkins). You might also be able to bargain for a genuine heirloom pozahuanco for a reasonable price.
Besides all the handicrafts, Huazolotitlán people celebrate the important local Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asunción around August 13–16. The celebrations customarily climax with a number of favorite traditional dances, in which you can see why masks are locally important, especially in the dance of the Tiger and the Turtle. The finale comes a day later, celebrated with the ritual dance of the Chareos, dedicated to the Virgin.
Get to Huazolotitlán in about two miles along the paved (but oft-potholed) road that forks south uphill from Highway 200 in Huaxpáltepec [1]. Drive, hitchhike (with caution), ride the local bus, or hire a taxi for about $3.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oaxaca/pacific-resorts/mixtec-coast/santiago-jamiltepec/excursions/huaxpaltepec