I've been living and working in the remote Maya Ixil ("E-sheel") region of Guatemala for the past three years. This region captivated me because of its relative seclusion, natural beauty and woven wealth. Although there is no lack of artistic ability or desire to get ahead here, after meeting with many groups of weavers it quickly became clear that what is lacking is a sustainable and fair route to an international market.

 

This area was one of the hardest hit during the Guatemalan Civil war in the early 1980s and remains one of the most underdeveloped regions in the most underdeveloped department - Quiché - in Guatemala. Currently, weavers desperate for cash typically rely on local middle-men to get their products to markets in other parts of the country. This doesn't earn the weaver either a fair wage or the recognition she deserves for her skill or time. 

 

As an artisan liaison, I'm trying to build an ethical bridge between these rural weavers and the international marketplace.