Guatemala Weavers Oppose Corporate

Guatemala Weavers Oppose Corporate Theft of Mayan Textiles is a case that neither the Guatemalan Courts or even Inguat the Tourism ministry of Guatemala supported. Inguat in a statement by the Guatemalan tourism ministry, INGUAT, is objectifying the real significance of the weavings value.

Tourism in Guatemala has grown into a huge source of revenue for Inguat based on Taxes they collect from Tourism. Why do Tourists come to Guatemala? One of the many reasons is the Guatemala Weavers products are a large part of Tourism in Guatemala. Inguat does not derive Taxes from the weavers thus the lack of interest or support of the Weavers by Inguat.

Guatemala Weavers

Inguat’s lack of support is one of many problems the Indigenous Weavers and Artisans face in Guatemala.

Buyers from around the world come to Guatemala to buy products produced by the Guatemala Weavers. I call this economical indifference for the Guatemalan Weavers.

A Weaver spends 5 days weaving a stunning handmade shawl. The buyer only offers $25.00 to the weaver for this product. The buyer takes the shawl back to the US and sells the shawl in a store or online for $200.00.

Fake Guatemalan Textile products are often found online and even in the Tourist shops throughout Guatemala, most are made in Mexico and China or made on mechanical weaving machines in Guatemala. The products appear to look the same as hand-made by Guatemala Weavers, in some cases, they are not.

Why do the Guatemala Weavers and Artisans need your support? Guatemala is a country steeped in Mayan Culture. The Back Strap Weavers and Hand Loom producers are part of the history of the Mayan Culture which needs to be preserved and protected. Not taken advantage of or lacking supported by the Guatemala Courts.

Guatemala Weavers

How you can help the Weavers of Guatemala? Buy direct from the shops of the Weavers, not the Tourist shops claiming to offer Indigenous woven products. Seek out the Woman-owned CO-Operatives throughout Guatemala. You will find most of the Weavers use Facebook.

If you buy online do not be fooled by the marketing representation of the websites offering Hand Made, Natural products from the Guatemala Weavers. Ask questions before you buy about Transparency, are the Weavers paid fair market value for the products provided to these websites.