Summary
La Asociación de Mujeres del Altiplano (AMA) has received funding from the InterAmerican Foundation for training and technical assistance in the production and sale of high quality woven products. Mayan women work within House of Design Pixan, a textile social enterprise which aims to increase income for over 100 indigenous weavers and their families living in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. The artisans are organized in groups of mutual support known as “Women’s Circles” where they participate in workshops and receive training in areas such as health and well being, self-esteem, micro-enterprise and product development. ATA was engaged to support current efforts at strengthening the skills and abilities of indigenous women from 12 communities in this region.
ATA contracted New York design specialist Miguel Calvo to conduct a product development and training workshop for 18 Mayan women weavers, embroiderers and seamstresses, with the goal. of developing market driven home décor and personal accessories based on traditional motifs for the US market.
Accomplishments as of January 2013
- Embroiderers learned new techniques in design transfer
- Artisans became experts at finishing, checking exact measures, and following the established quality standards.
- Weavers applied their new understanding of color theory and now confidently combine family color values.
- 20 new products were created, each to be expanded into collections by means of different color combinations, patterns and sizes.
- Hidden Mayan stories are preserved in a new collection of stylish and colorful key ring holders and dog leashes. Woven on back-strap looms, they are traditionally used as head wraps and connect a person’s energy with spiritual and physical realms.
- Mod Pot holders in rural Mayan communities are ready for local and export markets. AMA’s healthy stove building program cuts down smoke and cooking time, leaving a healthier environment for users.
- 8 products will be sold on www.chatbasket.com, an online store where buyers can interact with the producers via an online chat room. AMA will be featured in the next promotional campaign starting at the end of February 2013.
- AMA is working with a Guatemalan export company committed to strengthening artisanal linkages with international markets.
Current Needs
- Additional funding support is needed to show Guatemalan products at the August 2013 and January 2014 New York International Gift Fair.
- Funding for US buyer visits and linkages with buyers able to cover their own travel costs is one of the artisans most urgent needs.
- A search for partnerships with US retailers who could include AMA in their vendor training programs is ongoing.
- Linkages are needed with international designers wishing to volunteer.
Project Lead in the US
Monika Steinberger, Director of Program Management and Development
monikas@creativelearning.org
AMA Field Office
Simone Riddle, Marketing Director of Pixan
simonelamam@gmail.com
Partners & Collaborators
ATA would like to recognize Guadalupe Ramirez, founder of AMA and Pixan, and owner of AlternNatives (www.alternativesonline.com) a fair trade store in the US, selling craft made by the women of Quetzaltenango. The collaboration with Miguel Calvo (www.calvoco.com) has proven to be essential for the innovation and marketability of Mayan textile products in US markets. For her tireless commitment to the artisans sector of Guatemala, and her help in articulating a strategy for the weavers and embroiderers in rural communities, Simone Riddle must be recognized for her contribution to the project.
Contributors
ATA wishes to thank the following organization for their funding of development efforts in Guatemala:
Inter American Foundation
