Walterio Ruiz Villanueva

Walterio Ruiz Villanueva, born on July 22, 1949, is a master artisan from the Zapotec community of Villa Hidalgo Yalálag in Oaxaca, Mexico. Known for his expertise in crafting traditional huaraches, or sandals, he has dedicated his life to preserving the intricate weaving techniques passed down through generations. Ruiz recently gained media attention due to allegations of cultural appropriation against Adidas and designer Willy Chavarría, who incorporated elements of Yalálag's huarache designs into their new footwear line without proper acknowledgment. This controversy highlights the ongoing struggles faced by traditional artisans in maintaining the integrity of their cultural heritage.