Lake Atitlan Guatemala Mayan Weaving Workshops
The economical condition of Guatemala impelled her to move to the coast and begin work as a cotton picker. The job allowed her to learn all about the plant and its cultivation.
¨Lema Women Weavers CO-Operative of Guatemala envisions fostering education and supporting children in San Juan La Laguna through scholarships and financial aid.
By selling and commercializing our natural weaving products, we can ensure a better future for our children so they can not only finish their studies but also continue on to college.¨
Lema Women Women Weavers of Guatemala uses Technology to reach the global market. Traditional and elegant Mayan art is isolated from the city, however, connecting the work of the cooperative to the international community allows for an unprecedented market bridge – and hope of sustainability.
As consumers, we have the power to choose to wear artisan crafts that support present-day livelihood development, environmental sustainability, and a rare and surviving Mayan culture of women in the arts.
Lake Atitlan Guatemala Mayan Weaving Workshops
Our Weaving Workshops feature the Tz’utujil Maya weavers of San Juan La Laguna who are a group of incredible women known throughout the country for their traditional back strap weaving technique and for making their own pure organic cotton thread, employing natural dyes, and the use of banana leaves as the natural mordant to help set the dye.
These women grow their own cotton, harvest it by hand, spin it using ancient techniques, and then use natural dyes and colorants derived from locally found plants, trees, bark, berries, leaves, roots, wood, and insects.
Some of the plants that they use for dyeing are coconut shell, pericón, pepper, beets, eucalyptus, purple basil, hibiscus flowers, and achiote, among many others.
Everything from the spin of the yarn and the intricate designs and symbols are woven into the textiles, to the colors, used to express a wealth of meaning about the weaver, culture, and traditions.
Our Workshops are a unique opportunity to learn from a community of dedicated women as well as for them to share their lifelong love and passion for weaving with you.
This is a one-of-a-kind, hands-on experience, under the guidance of master Tz’utujil Maya women weavers as you learn how to make and spin the thread, dye it, and then weave the thread using traditional backstrap weaving methods.
The Future of Ethical Fashion Guatemala?
Our Lake Atitlan Guatemala Mayan Weaving Workshops can be customized based on the number of days you would like and on your experience. It is for beginners and experienced weavers, textile and fiber artists, knitters, designers, and anyone who wants to learn more about backstrap weaving.
We take care of all the weaving supplies, so come ready to learn and have a great time.
Lake Atitlan Guatemala Mayan Weaving Workshops Details and Costs
DURATION: 7-8 hours
LOCATION: San Pedro La Laguna
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Easy & Relaxed
PRICE: $95.00 (Q735) – 1 person (private workshop)
$85.00 (Q660) – 2 or more people
DAYS OFFERED: Everyday
BOOKING REQUIREMENTS: Reservations should be made 48 hours in advance.
TOUR INCLUDES
Traditional tipico lunch, all weaving supplies, Tz’utujil Maya weaving workshop instruction, transportation, and guide/interpreter.