Tz’ikin Jaay, meaning “House of Birds” in the Maya language Tzu’tujil, was founded in 1990 to support the widows of the 36-year civil war in Guatemala. Tragedy struck in 2005 when the community, Panabaj, was destroyed by Hurricane Stan. Today, 18 women continue to work with backstrap and foot looms to support their families and provide a better future for their children. Throughout the year the women attend workshops to learn more about marketing, quality control, and community development. In conjunction with Mayan Hands and Sharing the Dream, many of the artisans’ children receive scholarships to attend school. This is also the community where Sharing the Dream has its Elder Center and has provided land for two different schools.

Infinity Scarf with Beads

$27.00

This beautiful lightweight scarf shimmers in the light with a pop of color coming through the black background and matching rows of beads woven in to the fabric. Scarf is infinity loop style, making for easy wearing. This scarf was woven using the traditional backstrap loom, and is an original design from the Sharing the Dream artisan development staff and the group Tz'ikin Jaay. Scarf is 100% rayon for a super soft fabric, and measures 70" by 8".

This product was handmade by the weaving group Tz’ikin Jaay. Founded in 1990 by a group of 10 war widows, this tenacious and talented weaving group makes beautiful hand-woven products using the traditional backstrap loom and small foot looms. In 2005, this group was again affected by tragedy when a mudslide wiped out their community. Throughout the years, weaving has a been a way for the women to support themselves and their families and to aid their community in recovery.   

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Striped Handbag

$60.00

This striking handbag is made with cotton fabric handwoven on a backstrap loom. It has a front zip pocket as well as pockets inside for organizing your things. It's a stylish accessory for any outfit and is perfectfor any outing. The bag measures 19 inches wide across the top and is slightly less than 12.5 inches tall. The base is 12'' x 4''. The blues and grays bag also features an open pocket on the back side of the bag.

The handbag would make a great match with our Long Wallet with Wrist Strap.

The woven fabric for these bags was woven by two different weavings groups in Guatemala:

Tz’ikin Jaay was founded in 1990 by a group of 10 war widows, This tenacious and talented weaving group makes beautiful hand-woven products using the traditional backstrap loom and small foot looms. Throughout the years, weaving has a been a way for the women to support themselves and their families and to aid their community in recovery.   

La Estrella is a group of eight Kaqchiquel Mayan weavers from the rural community of ChuaCruz, Guatemala. The artisan group was formed in the early 1980's in order to support the widows who lost their husbands during the Civil War. They work on backstrap & foot looms. With the purchase of this item, you are helping the women in this cooperative to support their families.  

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