This is a weaving cooperative, formed by over 400 indigenous women from the highlands. They became widows when their husbands died in the armed conflict, and had to sustain themselves. This cooperative provides them this opportunity by selling their woven products. The cooperative collects all the products and sells it in their shop or export them abroad, and the women receive the profit of their own products.
Weaving is a century-old Mayan art form still very much part of Mayan life across Guatemala. Every region can be identified by the unique patterns on their woven clothing. Some of the pieces worn by the women can take months to make because the designs consist of so many intricate details. Our mission is to create work for fair wages for the women of Guatemala, to support our families and communities, and to preserve and develop our cultural traditions by maintaining our textile arts and their histories.
Volunteers can help with as store attendants, or with marketing and publicity, administrative support, translation, photography and web design. For an extra fee, volunteers can do a weaving course, weaving their own piece like a scarf or tablecloth.