maya hand

Evoking clouds above the Maya highlands, this white cotton cushion cover reveals blue-grey geometric motifs. The highlands of Chiapas are well-known for their artisans, particularly its talented weavers. This design is handwoven on the traditional backstrap loom with a subtle brocade to light up any modern home. It comes from the Aid to Artisans organization, which works to help the indigenous people of this state maintain their traditional lifestyles.

The reverse side is the same fabric without the motifs. An opening at the back permits insertion of the cushions.

Woven by hand on a backstrap loom, this generous cotton shawl combines wide bands of pewter grey and burnt sienna on pristine ivory cotton. Lorenza Perez is a master of this ancestral Maya weaving technique, and a rebozo like this one can take anywhere from 28 to 40 hours to complete. Textured geometric borders at each end are embroidered by hand, and the fabric alternates woven areas with unwoven warp threads, to achieve a textile that drapes beautifully.

This lovely cotton shawl features narrow white stripes on midnight black cotton. Woven by hand on a backstrap loom, it evokes the mountain paths in Mexico's Chiapas highlands. Lorenza Perez is a master of this ancestral Maya weaving technique, and a rebozo like this one can take anywhere from 28 to 40 hours to complete. Textured geometric borders at each end are embroidered by hand, and the fabric alternates woven areas with unwoven warp threads, to achieve a textile that drapes beautifully.

Working to preserve the handloom traditions of their Mayan culture, Luz Gonzalez and the Women's Artisan Association of Zinacantan, Mexico create this beautiful cushion cover using the backstrap loom to meticulously integrate the multicolor geometric pattern into the design. Handwoven from 100% cotton, this cover opens from the back for a 16x16 inch cushion insert.

As the modern world ever more encroaches upon the peoples of Chiapas, one way they resist is to develop new products using centuries-old techniques. This set of 4 warm off-white placemats in 100% cotton is handwoven on the traditional Maya backstrap loom. It is presented by the Aid to Artisans organization, which works with these weavers to fulfill their mission.