La Casa Guatemala
La Casa Guatemala partners with 600–1,000 artisans from a dozen Mayan indigenous and linguistic groups, mastering techniques passed down across their history — from backstrap loom weaving and embroidery to pottery, silversmithing, and basketry.
Working with individual artisans, family workshops, and cooperatives, they help keep this wide range of traditional crafts a viable livelihood.
Sustainable Technique
Back-Strap Loom Weaving
A venerable tradition, thousands of years old, back-strap loom weaving is still practiced by women indigenous to Central and South America. A belt-like strap around the hips holds the portable loom in place; the other end is tied to a tree, and the rocking movement of the weaver tightens and then relieves the tension so that a shuttle can pass through the warp threads. At the end of the day, it wraps up and tucks away in the home until the next use.
Sustainable Technique
Pedal Loom Weaving
Pedal loom weaving uses foot-operated treadles to lift selected warp threads, creating openings through which the weft passes. The weaver coordinates foot and hand movements to build the cloth.
Sustainable Technique
Macramé Weaving
Macramé is a textile technique that creates decorative patterns by tying and combining cords or threads into a series of knots. Artisans work by hand, using knotting methods such as square knots, half-hitches, and lark’s head knots to build intricate patterns, textures, and fringes for wall hangings, accessories, and other decorative pieces.
