Photo Albums of Guatemalan Maya Artisans

We have been buying beaded goods from these T’zutujil Maya women from Santiago Attitlan for several years. It is amazing to watch how nimbly they can work the tiny seeds beads. The women sometimes work in groups, chatting and laughing, but also work at home when they have time. Your purchases provide income to the women in these photos who work hard to maintain their traditional Mayan lifestyles and to pass this lifestyle on to their children. With a steady income, they can avoid the dire poverty in which most Guatemalans live, they and their families have improved diets, and their children can attend school, a luxury that was not an option for most of them.

The Women of Santiago Zamora work together to support one another’s efforts to improve their lives and that of their families through the sale of the beautiful handicrafts they make. The Kaqchikel (or Cakchiquel) Maya women from this town are known for the fine double-sided weaviing they do on back strap looms. They have a new “home” in Antigua where they sells their goods and make presentations about their traditional lifestyle. We bought the beautiful holiday table runners offered in our shop from The Woment of Santiago Zamora.