Description Founded in 1996 by the organization Mujeres en Cambio, the Rug Hook Project is comprised of 15 women who create beautiful, authentic, colorful hooked wool rugs. Their subject matter is everything that surrounds them in the small village of Agustin Gonzales in the central highlands of Mexico. From mountains, cactus, cows, horses, burros, flowers, small houses, churches, ducks, rabbits, chickens, roosters, and fish, to traditional symbols and motifs, each art piece is entirely unique. So, too, is the skill of rug hooking in Mexico. To own a beautiful hooked rug from Las Rancheritas, as a decorative wall hanging or as a functional floor piece, is to own a bit of living, organic tradition infused with passion and care. These women’s artistry is born of late hours hooking once their children are asleep, or in the fields between tending to animals or crops. The rugs oftentimes provide the primary income for their household. These days, the hooked rugs also ensure scholarships for the girls in their village and nearby communities and relief from the economic impacts of the pandemic.
