Mini Backpack with Ikat Pattern

Traditional Mayan weaving is an ideal way for women to work from home, giving them an opportunity to care for their children while supporting the family financially.

An association of about 15 weavers and dyers at Lake Atitlán in Guatemala is led by Francisca. She is one of the founders of the cooperative and oversees the production of totes, luggage tags, coasters, and other items.

The women use a traditional backstrap loom, weaving white patterns on top of indigo in a process called ikat, where parts of the yarn is protected with a resistant before dyeing.

The association is a strong believer in the positive impacts associated with supporting women to have income through flexible at-home work.

Polish the leather, using a clear polish or oil and wipe it well so it doesn't stain your clothes when wearing.

To clean the Ikat textile, spot-clean by dabbing the textile with a bit of water and gentle detergent.

Dyed cotton, genuine leather. The dyes include indigo, tumeric, and palo de la vida (a local Guatemalan tree), depending on the design.

A backstrap-woven textile with warp dyed for the outer weave. The inner lining is made of repurposed material from a cotton skirt.