our handwoven mats

we wanted to create something beautiful, unique, ethical & sustainable for our personal yoga practice, and these pieces are the result. our serendipitous meeting with Bambú has made our dream a reality, and we want to share it with you.

AKNA X BAMBÚ

Teotitlàn del Valle is a village in Oaxaca region of Mexico, known for its tradition of weaving wool rugs. 

By collaborating with a local community, our desire is to make known the exceptional work of these craftsmen, respectful of nature and to support their traditions by engaging in a fair and ethical trade without intermediaries.

This fair trade is not only about the product, but also about knowing the artisans who make our products, honoring and carrying their story. 

We ensure fair wages & safe working conditions.

hecho a mano en Teotitlàn del Valle

the slow design concept

Every pigment is locally sourced from the garden of Bambú, and seasonally dependent.

Once the dyes are created, the wool is dyed & dried, and prepared for the loom.

The intricacy & precision of the art of weaving means that our mats may take up to a week to complete.

Beyond a simple yoga mat, our mats are true pieces of art that require a technicality and an artisanal workmanship. 

By purchasing one of our mats, you are directly supporting the weaving tradition of this community in Mexico.

NATURAL 

Wool is a 100% natural material that grows all year round. We get our wool from a farm in Central America that cares about animal welfare and does not practice museling or abusive shearing.

Our wool is treated only with GOTS certified agents.

THERMO REGULATOR

Because it is a natural fiber, wool adapts to its ambient climate, keeping cool in hot weather and warm in the cold.

Thanks to the unique scaly structure of its fibers, wool is exceptionally breathable and provides great comfort.

Also, due to its breathability and water wicking qualities, wool regulates body moisture, which is particularly beneficial for people who sweat. 

It is ideal to feel good at all times and during each practice : for the heat of the vinyasa flow, as well as in the cold felt during a yin session.

SUSTAINABLE

The durability and strength of wool comes from the fact that its fibers can be folded on themselves up to 20,000 times before breaking. In comparison, cotton breaks after 3,000 folds and rayon only 75 !

Wool is renewable since it grows back every year on the backs of sheep.

Also, it is self-cleaning, which avoids frequent washing. And it is one of the materials that are the lowest generators of static electricity. As a result, it does not mildew or retain dust.  

At the end of its life cycle, wool degrades completely in the soil, releasing important nutrients

 ANTI-BACTERIAL

Wool fibers have a natural water-wicking property that prevents moisture from being retained in the weave.

Bacteria are attracted to the smooth, positively charged surfaces of synthetic fibers rather than the scaly, highly charged surface of the wool fiber. 

Thus synthetic fibers that provide a fertile habitat for bacteria will tend to increase body odor, while the unique structure of wool repels bacteria and thus prevents the accumulation of body odor.

why wool?

a look at the process

  • home of Bambú

    home of Bambú

  • homegrown pigments

  • jiquilite for indigo

  • cacti of cochineal for dye

  • spinning the wool

  • a mat in progress

  • the work environment

  • plant dyed wool

  • hand-looming