Artisan Spotlight: Catarina Flaviana Tambriz Carillo

Posted by Maya Traditions on July 31, 2015

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

Yes, they’re here… Naturally Dyed Ikat Scarves!

Posted by Maya Traditions on January 28, 2015

We will be showcasing our naturally dyed Ikat scarf line this week at the NY Now Show! You may be wondering, ‘‘what is Ikat?’’ ‘‘natural dye?’’ Allow us to explain. Ikat, also known to Mayan weavers as “Jaspe,” is a traditional weaving technique that allows the artisan to incorporate intricate design patterns into backstrap woven textiles. Maya Traditions’ cooperatives in San Juan La Laguna integrate natural dyes, created from plants and insects, and Ikat patterns to their backstrap woven textiles, producing unique and elaborate designs. Each of these techniques is traditional to Maya culture and to the region, adding complexity and

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