Frequently Asked Questions

Zapotec Wool Rugs

Q. How would you suggest that these rugs be stored?

A. We suggest that the rugs not be folded, but rolled around a tube.

Q. I’ve heard that the rugs sometimes get damaged from insects. How do I avoid this?

A. As with any wool rugs, they should be checked periodically for any signs of insects. To prevent any damage from insects the rugs should be treated for moths and carpet beetles.

Q. What should I do about fraying?

A. If you notice that your rug is fraying, you should repair it immediately. If you don’t, the beauty and value of your rug can be greatly decreased.

Q. What do you recommend I do to care for my rugs?

A. In order to keep their beauty and value, Zapotec rugs must be properly maintained. By following these simple common sense rules, your rugs will look great and last a long time.

• If your rugs are on the floor, you should use carpet pads. The best kind to use is plastic foam that will not migrate color to the rug or to the floor and will offer good wear protection. Do not use a rubber, jute, or waffle carpet pad.
• To maintain an even distribution of wear and color fading, flip the rugs periodically. Do not have them in direct sunlight.
• If you shake out your rug, hold it by the side with no fringe to avoid damaging the warp threads of the rug.
• Vacuum your rug moderately using a vacuum without the “beater bar”.
• If you spill on your rug, clean it up immediately. The sooner the better to avoid permanent staining.
• Don’t let your rugs get wet. If they do get wet, try to dry them quickly. A “wet vacuum” and a fan can help.
• Have your rugs cleaned when they are noticeable dirty, and only by someone with experience with fine woven rugs.

Oaxacan Wood Carvings

Q: Your woodcarving pieces are exceptional – really different from more commercial carvings sold in tourist shops. Where do you find your woodcarvings?

A: We go directly to the woodcarving villages and meet with the artists themselves. Our choices are made with knowledge of the artist’s reputation for quality and skill, as well as our own artistic eye.

Q: How do you ship fragile woodcarvings?

A: Often the carvings have detachable pieces that can be individually wrapped for shipping. They typically reattach with a carved wooden peg that inserts into the main piece.

Q: I have heard that sometimes there are beetles inside large woodcarving pieces that can bore holes. What can I do about this?

A: This is true, but not common. We recommend putting the woodcarving piece in the freezer for a day.

General FAQ's

Q: Do you have a store where I could see your pieces?

A: La Sirena Oaxacan Gallery is online only. We occasionally have receptions, shows, and booths at fairs. Please put your name on our email list for notification of events.

Q: Can I order something I have seen in your gallery that is no longer available? Can I request a special item?

A: This is sometimes possible. Call or email us with your request. If we have a buying trip planned soon, we can be your personal shopper!

Q: Do you support Free Trade?

A: Absolutely. We visit the artisans in person and take care to pay a fair price for the art. We are able to see the worksite and be assured that humane conditions exist for the artists and their families.

Q: Do you do anything for the communities where you buy art?

A: Yes, and we hope you take the time to read the link to our favorite Oaxacan organization. We support an agency called Oaxacan Streetchildren Grassroots. We sponsor a child, enabling them to get an education and their family to receive social services. We have visited this agency in Oaxaca and it is an incredible resource for the neediest children and families.