Ikat Natural Dye Pillow - Slate

Maya Traditions

Located in Panajachel, Sololá, Guatemala, Maya Traditions has been dedicated to connecting indigenous, female Maya backstrap weaver artisans and their families to national and international markets since 1996. Maya Traditions ensures that the culture of these artisans is preserved and seen across all of their products. By promoting a fair trade model, their main goal is to help these artisan families and their communities work towards a better lifestyle. They provide various social programs in youth education, community health, and artisan development. Today, Maya Traditions partners with eight self-governed cooperatives in six rural villages and over 100 skilled female artisans who practice many different artisan techniques.
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THE TECHNIQUE

To create the beautiful and naturally dyed products, the artisans practice a traditional technique. Female artisans use locally sourced plants and local insects to develop beautiful colors of thread for their textiles. At the same time, because this natural process reduces the quantity of synthetic chemicals used, the technique protects the artisans, their families and communities, as well as the environment.

There are four main steps involved to create the naturally dyed products. First, the women use a banana leaf when preparing the thread. These banana leaves are then boiled for two to three hours, and the thread is soaked in this liquid. Next, the plants and insects are prepared for the dye. Threads are added to this natural dye and can soak for 30 minutes to four hours based on the desired color. After the right color forms for the thread, the thread is separated from the dye and dries. And once completely dried, the artisans use the thread to create their beautiful hand-woven products.
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Guatemala

Guatemala, the “land of the forests” is an alive and ancestral country whose history dates from four thousand years ago when the Mayan civilization emerged. Its legacy is still evident in its extraordinary cultural richness, which is reflected in the colorful handicraft markets and regional costumes, its hospitality, and the beauty of the landscapes that frame the volcanoes, lakes, rivers, and mountains. Today 21 different ethnic groups of Mayan, Ladinos, Garifunas, and Xincas have all contributed to Guatemalan customs and traditions. The handicrafts are an expression of the Guatemalan culture: handmade, colorful textiles, carved wood, silver, jade jewelry, candles, pottery, blown glass, leather articles, and many more handicrafts that characterize the cultural diversity of this small, but wonderful country.
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Fair Trade Products

Fair Trade is an approach to international trade centered around equitable partnerships, transparency and respect. It seeks to empower marginalized producers by providing them safe working conditions, fair pay, and a means to establish a sustainable business free from exploitation. As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, we are committed to the Fair Trade principles.
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