The Story In Every Basket

This hands-on experience invites you to learn the art of traditional basket weaving from a fifth-generation artisan in his home workshop. You'll learn about the origins of his creative practice and make your own piece to take home, with his expert guidance throughout the process. Basketry was one of the earliest crafts in Mesoamerica, predating the domestication of crops and handmade ceramics. Because this practice uses biodegradable materials, few historical remnants remain—so its history lives on through family traditions and storytelling. By learning about the skill, time, and dedication involved in creating these baskets, you'll help support local artisans through both financial investment and cultural preservation. Your basket-making workshop will last roughly two hours. Afterward, you’ll continue the carrizo theme with a meal at a restaurant that serves Oaxacan tlayudas on handwoven carrizo plates.

These artisans are living examples of the role storytelling plays in preserving ancestral artistry. While basketry declined with the introduction of plastic, it still holds an essential place in the rural economy. Through intimate conversations with these makers, you'll gain insight into the cultural importance of carrizo baskets and what they mean to their young family. These pieces are crafted from an invasive river reed that was once plentiful and easy to access. But with climate change extending the dry months, access is now limited during certain times of the year. You'll learn how this shift directly impacts both the basketry and the livelihoods of those who, like generations before them, depend on this tradition. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the patience and skill this craft requires. A carrizo basket will no longer be just an object—it will represent family connection, resilience, and ongoing adaptation in changing times.

Ehren Seeland is a Oaxaca-based creative with a background in art and design and journalism, who travels the globe for professional and personal pursuits. A long-term resident of Oaxaca with family ties to the city, her passion for regional produce, traditional skills, and social impact makes her a fantastic host for the culturally curious and socially minded traveler. Through all of her projects—including Hecho, a marketplace of artisan-made goods from natural materials—Ehren maintains an active focus on supporting Mexican ancestral traditions through handmade product development, including textiles, pottery, homewares, and other works. Her projects also place special emphasis on supporting women and indigenous communities.

We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, water, and your camera or phone if you'd like to take photos. If you would like to purchase any art/craft pieces from the makers, it's always a good idea to bring some Mexican pesos, as cash is often preferred. That said, there's no pressure to buy anything during this visit.