Making the Guatemalan Collection: Mayan Hands

Guatemala has long captivated textile lovers around the world. Their vibrant and beautiful textiles, which are really Maya textiles, are rooted in centuries of weaving tradition. For our Guatemala Collection, we worked with a Fair Trade organization dedicated to providing economic and educational opportunities to Maya women so that they can bring their families out of extreme poverty and keep their cherished Maya culture alive. The result? An exquisite, woven rainbow of twenty colors that supports their mission and brings joy to its wearers.

Textile Collaborators: Mayan Hands

Mayan Hands is celebrating 30 years as a fair trade nonprofit organization dedicated to providing economic and educational opportunities to Maya women so that they can bring their families out of extreme poverty as they continue to live within the culture they cherish. They believe that when provided economic opportunity and income over time, women can build sustainable futures for themselves, their families and communities.

Weavers in Chuaperol.

Textile Artisans: Chuaperol Weaving Group

The rainbow textile at the heart of this collection was woven by the Mayan Hands weaving group in Chuaperol. This resilient group of weavers began in the midst of the Guatemalan Civil War as part of a UN project to help the women survive and support themselves. Weaving has been a reliable source of income for the families in the group throughout the 30 years that they have been working with Mayan Hands.

Maya Weaving and Culture

Maya women love to weave, as weaving keeps them connected to their ancestors, and the sacred and cultural Maya universe. Through your fair trade purchase of their fine handmade products, you too are connected to their remarkable artisan partners and help to keep their rich cultural traditions alive.

Maria Ana. Chuaperol Co-Op Leader.

Fair Trade

Mayan Hands is a founding member of the Fair Trade Federation and is fully committed to Fair Trade Principles. They work with their artisan partners in holistic partnerships built on trust, which go beyond ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions to include environmental responsibility and respect for cultural traditions. Mayan Hands empowers their artisans to strengthen their communities and grow their businesses sustainably.