José Isabel Quiroz Garcia, an ixtle (plant fiber) weaver, sprinkles water on the fibers to soften them before beginning. Ixtle is a fiber extracted from a variety of desert plant, and is used to weave hammocks, rugs and bags.
Photo by Lee Bickerstaff

Next, the fibers must be carded, or "combed", to separate and thin the fibers.
Photo by Lee Bickerstaff

Winnowing the fibers helps to loosen them up prior to being spun.
Photo by Lee Bickerstaff

Next

Film for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival was graciously provided by FUJIFILM USA

Folklife Homepage/ Folkways Homepage / Feedback