October 9th Fundraiser Auction Item No. 12 Cochineal Rug by Isaac Vasquez Isaac Vasquez is from the beautiful town of Teotitlán del Valle, a pueblo known for its ancient traditions of weaving. He is considered a "grand master" (Mexican Folk Art From Oaxacan Artisan Families, Rothstein and Rothstein 2002). The rug offered has been made with the costly natural dye "cochineal". Cochineal is an insect which attaches itself to nopal cactus. When harvested, dried and mixed with lime an intense red is produced. In colonial days this dye was literally worth its weight in gold. Value: $600.00 Donor: Isaac Vasquez Minimum Bid: $150.00 Bid Increments: $25.00