Silk Knots

This project trained Mixteca Indigenous People from the state of Oaxaca (Mexico) in sericulture, or silk production. The project involved four training sessions targeted at men and women and addressing the following topics: the traditional silkworm cocoon cooking process; the process of obtaining the silk thread; dyeing silk threads, silkworm cocoons and garments with natural pigments; and making jewelry from silkworm cocoons. 

In addition to training the community in skills that would enable them to engage in income-generating activities, the project also addressed the importance of indigenous rights, the value of their culture, and the need for women’s participation in the community’s activities, including areas of economic empowerment.