About
NAKAWE TRADING WAS BORN FROM DEEP RESPECT OF THE NATURAL WORLD, TRADITIONAL ART AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN ALL ITS EXPRESSIONS
Nakawé Trading is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural traditions of Mexican artisans.
We work directly with small families from Indigenous communities—to offer a curated collection of handcrafted traditional art.
Our offerings include intricate handwoven textiles, stunning clay pottery, and exquisite beaded jewelry—each piece reflecting the cultural heritage, ancestral wisdom, and deep connection to nature of its maker.
Each item we offer is 100% handmade using sustainable materials and ancient techniques, honoring both the land and the hands that shape it. These are not just objects; they are stories made tangible—woven, carved, fired, or beaded with intention and meaning.
We operate on a foundation of mutual respect and fair trade practices. The artisans we collaborate with have complete autonomy over their pricing, processes, and materials. We never bargain. Instead, we pay directly and above market value, ensuring our makers retain ownership of their work and livelihood.
We believe in full transparency. Every step—from creation to curation—is guided by integrity, cultural respect, and a commitment to sustainability.
Our Story:
From Dream to Devotion
Nakawé Trading began with a shared dream—to wander ancient lands, listen deeply, and gather the stories woven into handmade objects. Sixteen years ago, we traveled to Oaxaca for the first time. I was a girl from the Australian bush, newly immersed in Jose’s world of rich traditions, language, and ritual. Everything—from the food to the folklore—felt sacred and alive with meaning.
In those early journeys, something took root. We were captivated not just by the craftsmanship of what we found, but by the spirit within each piece. We knew then: we wanted to be part of this—to help protect and uplift these traditions and carry them beyond borders.
Our Story:
From Dream to Devotion
Nakawé Trading began with a shared dream—to wander ancient lands, listen deeply, and gather the stories woven into handmade objects. Sixteen years ago, we traveled to Oaxaca for the first time. I was a girl from the Australian bush, newly immersed in Jose’s world of rich traditions, language, and ritual. Everything—from the food to the folklore—felt sacred and alive with meaning.
In those early journeys, something took root. We were captivated not just by the craftsmanship of what we found, but by the spirit within each piece. We knew then: we wanted to be part of this—to help protect and uplift these traditions and carry them beyond borders.
The name Nakawé is inspired by Takutsi Nakawé, the Wixaritari goddess of creation and fertility. Her name means “grandmother growth”—she who gives life to all things of the earth. It felt like a blessing. A guidepost. A name for something that would grow from the ground up—like our relationships, our values, and the pieces we share.
The Stories Behind the Pieces
What inspires us most are the stories—of fire and fiber, earth and ancestry. Whether it’s a handwoven textile, a hand-formed ceramic, or a strand of beaded jewelry, each piece carries with it a lineage of knowledge and cultural memory.
These are not trend-driven goods. They are offerings from the land and the people—echoes of seasons, rituals, and languages that stretch back through time. When you bring one into your home, you carry a piece of this history. You become part of the thread that connects past to present, sacred to everyday.
Our Commitment to Artisans
For over a decade, we’ve worked in close partnership with artisan families across Mexico. Our model is rooted in long-term relationships, built over shared meals, studio visits, and time spent with families in their homes.
There are no middlemen. We collaborate directly—discussing color palettes, new designs, and evolving collections while respecting the traditional techniques that define their heritage. We’re honored to provide consistent, dignified work that supports not only artisans but their families and communities, creating sustainable economic opportunity and inspiring the next generation to continue the craft.