The Mayan Cross Project is located in San Jose in the northern Peten region of Guatemala. The pocket crosses are made from vines found in the jungle, which have a naturally occurring cross inside. Dr. Craig Spencer has been working with Bio-Itza, an organization located in San Jose that is trying to conserve the forest. He is working with Sharing the Dream in Guatemala in order to highlight the need for reforestation in this area. The pocket crosses are handmade by a family in San Jose. The profits helps the artisans to support themselves, and pay for schooling for themselves and their children. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Bio-Itza organization to help with reforestation efforts,

Maya Cross Pocket Cross

$5.00

This fair trade product was handcrafted by indigenous Maya-Itzá women in Guatemala. Made from a native vine from the tropical forest, the cross pattern is a natural feature of the inside of the plant. Called the Cruz Maya (Maya Cross), its use as a spiritual symbol dates back to the Maya civilization more than a thousand years ago. Proceeds from the sale of this product provide income to Maya-Itzá artisans of today. A portion of the proceeds also goes to a local community organization, Bio-Itzá, to help protect the rapidly disappearing tropical forest where the vine grows in Petén, Guatemala. 

Because this is a naturally occurring product, the measurements of each cross vary slightly but they are approximately 1 inch in diameter and 4 -5 mm thick.

This product can be purchased in quantities of 50+ directly from Guatemala. For more information on pricing and purchasing the Pocket Crosses, please contact Lauren at [email protected]

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Maya Cross Necklace with Black Cord

$17.00

This stylish necklace features a satiny black cord with adjustable beadedknots to adjust the length.(30" longest length)

This fair trade necklace was handcrafted with the collaboration of the Elder Center Bead Group and indigenous Maya-Itzá women in Guatemala. Made from a native vine from the tropical forest, the cross pattern is a natural feature of the inside of the plant. Called the Cruz Maya (Maya Cross), its use as a spiritual symbol dates back to the Maya civilization more than a thousand years ago. Proceeds from the sale of this product provide income to Maya-Itzá artisans of today and for the Elder Center Bead Group. The Elder Center Bead Group is a group of young women artisans in Santiago Atitlan who earn a fair wage for their work and help provide funding for the Elder Center, which provides a place of community, meals, and healthcare services for 65 elders in Guatemala. A portion of the proceeds also goes to a local community organization, Bio-Itzá, to help protect the rapidly disappearing tropical forest where the vine grows in Petén, Guatemala.

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Maya Cross Necklace with Beaded Chain

$24.00

This necklace features a Maya Cross on a hand-beaded chain. The necklace measures 24" in length that has an adjustable toggle closure.

This fair trade necklace was handcrafted with the collaboration of the Elder Center Bead Group and indigenous Maya-Itzá women in Guatemala. Made from a native vine from the tropical forest, the cross pattern is a natural feature of the inside of the plant. Called the Cruz Maya (Maya Cross), its use as a spiritual symbol dates back to the Maya civilization more than a thousand years ago. Proceeds from the sale of this product provide income to Maya-Itzá artisans of today and for the Elder Center Bead Group. The Elder Center Bead Group is a group of young women artisans in Santiago Atitlan who earn a fair wage for their work and help provide funding for the Elder Center, which provides a place of community, meals, and healthcare services for 65 elders in Guatemala. A portion of the proceeds also goes to a local community organization, Bio-Itzá, to help protect the rapidly disappearing tropical forest where the vine grows in Petén, Guatemala.

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