Mayamam Weavers is an indigenous women’s weaving cooperative in the western highlands of Guatemala. Made up of backstrap, foot loom weavers and seamstresses, the women create a wide range of handwoven home goods and accessories for men, women, children and home. All of the products are beautifully loomed of 100% cotton, inspired by the rich colors, patterns and traditional weaving techniques of Mayan culture. The cooperative was formed in 2008 while trying to find ways the women could work towards earning wages to be able to provide a dignified life for their families. Their community of Cajolá has a population of 20,000 people but 40% of them live in the U.S. This has resulted in significant social disintegration. The women wanted to find ways to be able to stay in the community and care for their families.
They began by getting trained to use the foot loom to weave, which is normally used by men in Guatemala. Daily literacy skills training was offered, and a preschool was opened to provide child care. Over the years, the women have learned technical, artistic, and managerial skills which have allowed them to operate independently. They have been earning a regular income which enables them to care for their families as well as spend money in their own community.
As members of the Fair Trade Federation, Mayamam Weavers is fully committed to putting people and the planet first by ensuring the members of the cooperative are paid fair living wages, have safe work conditions, and opportunities to grow.
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