Manos Cruceñas Artisan Store is a nonprofit that supports over 100 indigenous Mayan women artisans from Santa Cruz, Guatemala. Our artisans are trained in the CECAP Vocational Training Center and earn a fair wage. Our artisans also receive non-economic support such as nutrition classes and women’s empowerment workshops. Meaningful work at a meaningful wage. All proceeds directly benefit artisans and their families.
10" Wide Scarf - Melon
Suitable for both men and women, our silky soft Manos Cruceñas Solid Color Scarves drape beautifully and feel so wonderful on the skin. They are light enough for accessorizing, but warm enough for a chilly day and can be worn in so many beautiful ways. Each scarf is proudly hand-woven by our master weavers on a back-strap loom and includes a fine hand-knotted fringe. Choose from 5 textured solid colors: aquamarine, emerald, gray, melon, and navy blue.
10"x73” including fringe. 100% rayon.
Hand wash.
Each Manos Cruceñas product that you purchase will be accompanied by a tag with the artisan's name who made it!
Backstrap weaving is a tradition practiced for generations by indigenous artisans in the highlands of Guatemala. Representations of women using backstrap looms can be found in ancient Mayan art and it is also present in Mayan folklore. According to mythology weaving originated with the moon goddess Ixchel who is often depicted seated at a backstrap loom.
Walk through any indigenous town in Guatemala today and you can see women weaving in their home during breaks from other daily work. One end of the loom is attached to a post or tree using a rope and the other is attached to the weaver's body through a strap that wraps around the back giving the technique its name. Most women begin learning to weave around 7 years old.
The backstrap weaving technique is employed by 24 of our artisans to create elaborate textiles for sale in our store. It is also part of the daily lives of most women who make clothing and other textiles for use in the home. Textiles vary by community and designs and colors are often indicative of a specific village. In Santa Cruz those colors include deep red, yellow, purple and blue with specific shapes representing the volcanoes towering over Lake Atitlan. Clothing and textiles produced on a backstrap loom reflect community pride. They identify each woman as an individual within her culture and her community as well as communicating traditional Maya beliefs about the universe.
GIFT CARDS