| These are large Guatemalan bookmarks woven on the backstrap loom in Nebaj. They have wonderful earthtone colors and are not like the typical bright colors associated with much Maya weaving. The bookmarks measure approximately 10 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.
These bookmarks are made by a cooperative of 58 women who make up the Ixil Weaving Association (Unq' a Chem Ixil). They live in eight villages within the Nebaj municipality: Las Violetas, Aldea Río Azul, Aldea Xoncá, Pulay, Conaquíl, Xeo, Bicalamá, Tzlb'al and Paxla Grande. The association´s center is a two-hour walk for those who live the farthest, and it´s a seven hour drive to Guatemala City (246 km.). Most of in the group only speak Ixil, and very few of are able to read and write.
In 1985, they began to work together as a group of internally displaced weavers during the civil war in the village of Las Violetas, Nebaj, in the department of El Quiché. They organized in order to market our crafts and support their families. In 1995, they legally formed the association.
They weave on back strap and floor looms. Like the other groups, they are always ready to learn from others experiences. They produce traditional back strap weavings, using figures that are particular to their villages. Their organization aims to preserve the designs and techniques that are part of the Ixil culture, and to generate income that allows them to live in dignified conditions.
In addition to weaving, the Tejidos Ixiles Association offers small loans to women. Also, they have had good experiences with alternative tourism and cultural exchanges. |
