We stopped to see the Trujillo’s Weaving Shop in Chimayo, Maria was on fire to see some of the famed weavers in this town, who have kept a dying tradition alive for decades. I thought she was about to run off with Carlos Trujillo, who was weaving on the loom his grandfather built a hundred years ago.

He and Maria connected and she had a hundred questions for him that he was only too happy to answer. I felt out of reach of these two, and wandered the store, and I was happy to see Maria so transfixed, and Carlo so happy to teach her.of his

The weaving tradition in New Mexico is very old and Carlos Trujillo is one of the very few weaving masters left, each of his gorgeous old looms was build by a different member of his family, including the one he built. He said he has no children, but some of his nieces and nephews might take over one day, although they have already moved away and have their own careers.

Carlos’s father and grandfather worked as weavers, it would be sad if this long tradition faded away. But it seems likely, like so many other traditions. Modern America has not been kind to craftsmen and women.

I found some wonderful jewelry and carvings in his shop to bring back to Cambridge for the Mansion residents and staff. I bought a necklace for Maria. She was transfixed by Carlos and the things he taught her in such a short time. She can’t wait to start working on her new table loom, and he gave her some ideas.

Fortunately, they did not run off,  but I suspect we will see more of Carlos before we leave. He is a lovely human being.