Our Guatemalan partners and artisans are masters of backstrap, a slow, beautiful and very skilful form of hand weaving. It’s an art form particularly popular within the more rural areas of the country. As a traditional skill passed down from generation to generation it is most often taught to young girls by mothers and grandmothers. It holds much history and culture and finished pieces often display exquisite levels of colour with patterns varying from simple stripes through to ikat and complex brocade designs.
Our partners in Guatemala currently employ over 100 skilled female artisans which practise 4 different artisan techniques. Their mission is to empower and improve the quality of life of Maya women and their families through employment, education and other social led programs, and preserve their traditional Guatemalan art and culture.
