Catarina Flaviana, 58, is one of our lovely and talented artisan partners from the cooperative Qato Q’ib in Chirijox, northwest of Lago Atitlán. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with her and talk about her life and work in the cooperative. Catarina has raised eight children and is a proud gandmother to three little boys. Her two oldest daughters are married and now living with their husbands’ families. When she was only 12 years old, Catarina started to learn how to backstrap weave. Her mother, who today still practices the art of backstrap weaving, taught her all of the elements of the weaving process; starting first with the
Read More
On a recent trip to the community of Nahuala, we sat down with Francisca to hear her story. She is an inspirational woman who creates the most beautiful textiles. Here is a little bit about her! What is your name? Francisca Tzep Cotiy How old are you? 38 years old. Tell us about your family. I have a husband who works in construction and two sons who are 13 and 18 years old Where do you live? In the small village of Palanquix Guachiaquib´, which is a part of the community of Nahuala. When and how did you learn to weave?
Read More
Semana Santa, also known as the Holy Week leading up to Easter, is celebrated each year in Guatemala with processions, parades, and alfombras—traditional ‘carpets’ made out of sawdust, fruits, flowers, and vegetables in the streets where processions will soon pass. In Guatemala, Semana Santa exists as a fusion between Catholicism and Maya culture–a truly rich and unique experience for those able to visit this beautiful country we call home during this time. We’ve asked our artisan partners, their children, and the Maya Traditions’ team how they’re celebrating Semana Santa. ‘For Semana Santa, I make bread to share with our family.
Read More
Posted by Maya Traditions on February 25, 2015
In January 2015, Maya Traditions’ team welcomed reporter Laurie Stern to our office in Panajachel, Sololá, Guatemala. After brief correspondence via email and phone, Laurie was interested in capturing our story at Maya Traditions and sharing it with the world. Through sitting in on client meetings to traveling to the rural community of Quiejel, Chichicastenago during an artisan and student meeting, Laurie was able to fully grasp the importance of our relationships with our artisans and our customers. As consumer demand for Fair Trade and ethical products increase, we are seeing an increase in inquiry from businesses and designers from around the
Read More
Posted by Maya Traditions on November 25, 2014
Maya Traditions was founded upon the hearts and skills of our artisans. Today we share with you a recent interview with Juana Maria from our cooperative La Voz de los Tz’utujiles. She lives and works in the community of San Juan La Laguna on the shores of Lake Atitlan. She, along with other members from her cooperative, produce textiles featuring Ikat designs and natural dyes. Please feel free to share Juana’s story with your friends, family, and customers! MTF: What is your name? JMR: Juana María del Rosario MTF: How old are you? JMR: 24 years old. MTF: Where do you live? JMR: I live San Juan
Read More
For me, Fair Trade means development. Through working with Maya Traditions Foundation, I have had the opportunity to learn the value of my work. I have learned to make budgets and determine a fair price for my weavings. Working with Maya Traditions has changed my life in a very positive way. They have given significant value to the work of my ancestors, and have shown me that my weavings deserve to be respected. With Fair Trade and my partnership with Maya Traditions, I have been able to move forward with my family and we have been able to improve our way
Read More
