Guatemala English language Magazine
Carrying on the craft of wood carving text & photo by Hilary Kilpatric “I learned my craft from watching my dad. I think I have it in my blood,” Ramos Rodrigo of Tallando Tradiciones said when asked about how he started his career as an artisan. Out of seven children in his family, he is the only of his brothers […]
Read moreRecycled Roots is a small wood workshop in the western highlands run by three brothers who use tropical wood and coffee root to create a variety of pieces, including puzzles, animal napkin rings, jewelry boxes, coasters and spoons.
Read moreby Hilary Kilpatric “I want to wear the traditional dress of my people, but I also enjoy contemporary fashion. I love starting with something traditional as a base and modifying it into something fashionable and sexy. This way I am able to wear clothes that display my heritage while keeping up with the latest fashion trends,” explained Angélica Mendoza, the […]
Read more“I really like the way we work together. We all get the same materials and we weave at home without disregarding our usual responsibilities,” explains Rosa, one of the group’s leaders.
Read moreby Hilary Kilpatric “I enjoy working with palm because it is found locally and it is the traditional material used by the people here. Plus using palm for artisan goods does not damage the environment,” said Catarina Tamup de Leon, leader of the Palm Weavers, when asked about why she loves her work. The Palm Weavers group is located in […]
Read moreBridging cultures and continents with Guatemalan crafts Many of us living in (and visiting) La Antigua Guatemala love to stop by Casa de los Gigantes (7a calle oriente #18) from time to time to see what’s new in the “House of the Giants.” It is well worth your time to investigate every nook and cranny for some treasure or another. […]
Read moreby Hilary Kilpatric “I love what I do. I have acquired considerable experience, and it is rewarding to see people appreciate my work. We work with sustainable woods, and everything we do is entirely done by hand. It is our way of preserving the environment,” explains lead carpenter Teo Hernández. The carpentry team consists of five, who work just outside […]
Read moreby Julie Potvin Lajoie From Dec. 7 to Dec. 9 the third edition of the Feria Nacional de Comercio Justo y Solidario will be held in La Antigua Guatemala. Within the walls of the Centro de Formación y de la Cooperación Española, more than 30 groups of artisans, skilled in everything from textile and agricultural products to woodwork and crafts, […]
Read more
Weaving in the present with fibers of the past
Read more
Tradition and Souvenir Baskets are important utilitarian, decorative and potential income items found around the world, including Guatemala, where many locations are known for specific basket styles. Among them is the community of Chajul, located in “the Ixil Triangle,” a region in the department of Quiché that encompasses the municipalities of Santa María Nebaj, San Juan Cotzal and San Gaspar […]
Read moreby Erol Reyal In the first few week of October 2005, the Pacific Coast of Central America was affected by severe winds and rains of Hurricane Stan. The heavy rains took the communities of Guatemala completely by surprise and created massive landslides and floods. This catastrophe not only caused material damage but it also took the lives of hundreds of […]
Read moretext and photos by Anthony Brindisi Using an abundant local resource the women of San Rafael Chilascó bolster the incomes of their families by working together Let us take a moment to appreciate the role of women in rural Guatemala. Outside the major cities the average number of children in a Guatemalan household is eight. EIGHT! When you add in […]
Read more