Weaving Techniques
how our products are made
Backstrap Weaving
Backstrap weaving is an ancient tradition, passed down to girls, usually, when they turn 7 or 8. For traditional Maya, weaving becomes a ritual part of daily life, and it serves as a symbol of their life. They strap the loom around their waist and the other end around a tree or post, representing that they are fully connected to nature and can become one with their environment.
A standard scarf takes about 10 hours for an experienced weaver to complete, whereas a blouse (or traditional huipil) could take up to 2 or 3 months. The intricate designs can often easily be identified to a specific village, or tribe, based on their heritage. Historically, many aspects of the Maya culture are communicated by way of these patterns, or 'traje' which is the term for their traditional dress.
Watch the video above. It documents the step by step process of backstrap weaving. In addition to the weaving steps, keep in mind that coloring the thread is another process. Some groups naturally dye their own thread (with vegetables, fruits, or flowers), whereas others purchase chemically dyed thread.
A standard scarf takes about 10 hours for an experienced weaver to complete, whereas a blouse (or traditional huipil) could take up to 2 or 3 months. The intricate designs can often easily be identified to a specific village, or tribe, based on their heritage. Historically, many aspects of the Maya culture are communicated by way of these patterns, or 'traje' which is the term for their traditional dress.
Watch the video above. It documents the step by step process of backstrap weaving. In addition to the weaving steps, keep in mind that coloring the thread is another process. Some groups naturally dye their own thread (with vegetables, fruits, or flowers), whereas others purchase chemically dyed thread.
Footloom Weaving
Foot-loom weavings are common for blankets, towels, bedspreads and table clothes. The process contains both foot pedals and weaving with sticks, and requires tension which is adjusted by pulling the threads one by one. Fabrics used can be cotton, wool, and synthetic threads.
Ikat Dyeing (haspe)
Ikat is a dye-resist process, similar to that of tie-dying in science class. Skeins, or bands, of white cotton are tied at pre-determined intervals and then soaked in colored dye to form intricate designs. When the bands are removed following the soaking a white pattern remains in the fabric. After the dying process is when the threads are woven into products, such as shawls or table runners.
In the Mayan language Kakquikel, ikat dyeing is translated to the word 'haspe'.
In the Mayan language Kakquikel, ikat dyeing is translated to the word 'haspe'.
Beading
Beadwork also involves a lot of patience and skill. Working with such small pieces of art can be difficult on the eyes to focus, but many elderly continue to bead. In general, retirement is unheard of among the way of life for the Maya.We love the beauty of the products made with beads. Each bead has it's own uniquness, it's own story.
Crocheting
Crocheting is done by using a hook to make a fabric. The process consists of pulling loops through other loops, but additionally incorporates wrapping the working material around the hook one or more times. Our artisans used recycled clothing as their raw materials for crocheted products.