DISCOVER GUATEMALA and the Process of Crafting traditional wooven textiles
Nestled in the forested hills of southern Guatemala, the small city of Antigua was once the most prominent seat of the Spanish colonial government between Mexico City and Lima, Peru. Founded in the early 16th century, it served as Guatemala’s capital for almost 300 years until 1773, when crown officials abandoned it following devastating volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and floods. In the mid-1800s, agriculturists took note of Antigua’s rich volcanic soils, and the city thrived once again as a center of coffee and grain production.
During this period, its canary-colored Santa Catalina Arch, built in 1694 as a walkway for nuns, received its domed clock tower, becoming Antigua’s most iconic monument. In 1979, Unesco designated Antigua a World Heritage Site, ensuring the protection of its architectural and cultural legacy.
Strolling the city’s cobbled streets is a great way to explore Antigua’s historical landmarks, colorful Spanish colonial houses, grand cathedrals, and galleries.
Artisan Craftsmanship
Now let’s get into the heart of Guatemala and its weaving history.
As a Fashion Designer who advocates for slow fashion and artisan craftsmanship, we devoted time to learning how to create the country’s beautiful and vibrant textiles. Weaving is not just a signature Guatemalan handicraft; it’s a tradition that spans generations and goes back thousands of years.
How Its Made
The process of crafting traditional woven textiles has primarily remained unaltered throughout the history of the Mayan civilization. Guatemala’s central and western highlands are home to a few artisan communities that still employ the original methods and teach their daughters to do the same. Their textiles are woven from cotton yarns, which are first dyed using local materials. To achieve the desired colors, the weavers choose plants like hibiscus flowers (pink), carrots (orange), herbs (green), and bark from avocado trees (beige).
Once the yarns are spun and dyed, the fabric is woven on a back strap loom. These looms are simple, portable devices that the weavers often make themselves. They’re also the same style of looms that the ancient Maya used and are frequently seen in their art (Ix Chel was sometimes depicted with a back strap loom). To use a back strap loom, a weaver fixes one end to a tree or stationary post, then loops the other end around her back with a leather strap. This arrangement allows her to achieve the proper tension necessary for creating solid and sturdy fabric.
Guatemalan Textiles Today
While the demand for woven textiles has changed, traditional weaving is sometimes used to make designs like wraps, skirts, shawls, and household textiles. The most famous woven garment from Guatemala is the huipil, a style of woman’s blouse. Producing a finished garment can take weeks or months, depending on the size of the item. I’m wearing one gifted to me by our dear friend, California/Guatemala artist Eve Chayes Lyman.
The woman cooperative we visited works with artisans to create modern pieces that blend original fabrication methods with contemporary aesthetics. It’s a little bit of old and new mixed together.
Guatemala had so much love and discover – its ancient Mayan heritage, bountiful vegetation, artisan craftsmanship, and heartwarming people. Guatemala will always have a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to return to the heart of the Mayan civilization and culture. Guatemala is the ultimate place to visit for anyone who appreciates textiles, history, and nature.