AMO

AMO

The Women’s Association of Olopa, Chiquimula is based in an area which a few years ago suffered extreme draught, and the people of the region were starving, hence the creation of the association to create alternatives to agriculture in a region where scientists believe that within twenty years the area will become desert. The association promotes the cultivation of Maguey, a cactus plant that the women use to extract a fibre from to make woven bags, shoes, place mats, belts etc. The group received support from different sources to learn how to dye the fiber with natural and locally available dyes, creating a beautiful range of subtle colors in their work. The weaving technique used is dying out, but the association helps preserve its use.