Brocade demonstration by Master Weaver Yolanda in Quiejel. This master weaver explained as she was weaving with her fingers, that the designs (including her choice of colour palette and what kind of object i.e. a blouse, skirt, table runner or belt) that she would like to produce. These are mapped out in her head as she is creating the patterns on the loom. Upon gaining membership to the foundation, the women from the various communities are initially taught (or hone on existing skills) to work with the backstrap loom process with designs, colours and measurements. The foundation provides them with the thread and necessary tools for each textile order made.

The creation of a mural on a street in San Juan which comprised of Grandmotherly figures.

Here, I am receiving Brocade tuition on the backstrap loom under the watchful eyes of the Master Weavers in Nahualá. Image courtesy of Dina Salpor (Ethical Tourism Coordinator of Maya Traditions Foundation).

The Master Weavers in Nahualá accompany me for a walk up the Yellow Stoned hill to see the beautiful view of the valley of Nahualá. I think at this point we noticed a wild donkey loitering on the path, coming towards us.

Dried corn hanging in this lime tree amongst utilitarian objects such as hand-made bags, a tin cup, thread, rope, a washcloth, plastic hessian bag, a built-in makeshift platform. This lime tree resides at Master Weaver, Isobel’s, house where I was kindly hosted during my visit in Nahualá.

Mid action of the Nahualán Master Weavers preparing the Backstrap Loom to demonstrate how it works. The woman wearing blue on the far right, is Dina Salpor, the Ethical Tourism Coordinator for Maya Traditions Foundation. Dina was my brilliant guide during the tour and has a mutually respectful rapport with the six communities that the Foundation has a current agreement with.

Master Weaver, Maria Cecilia, after showing us around the Dye and Medicinal plant garden in San Juan, she explained how the Banana Tree sap is used as a fixative, the foundation (mordant), in the dyeing process.

Synthetically-dyed thread shop at the Santiago markets. NB: Only the community of San Juan La Laguna dye their thread with plant-based dyes and some of the women there have the ability to spin thread. In Chuacruz, they spin the ixcaco thread (brown cotton). However, most of Maya Traditions’ products are made with purchased cotton thread. Image courtesy of Karen Tourney (a fellow traveller)

Master Weaver, Maria Clara, from San Juan demonstrating an Ikat (Tie Dye) technique with a backdrop of weaving related apparatuses and handmade scarves (produced from the San Juan Master Weavers – Flor Juanera). Image courtesy of Katharina Anna (Intern at Maya Traditions Foundation and fellow traveller).

Expensive factory-made table runners made of synthetic dyes and threads on display at the Chichicastenango Market. Chichicastenango market is renowned for being one of the biggest tourist markets in Central America. The patterns and colours represent the Quiche / Chichicastenango.

A Master Basket Weaver and her young friend from Patanatic, taking rest during a hike up to the local pine forest. Patanatic is a small town well known for its pine needle basket weavings. Image courtesy of Karen Tourney (a fellow traveller).