Lake Atitlan Guatemala Back Strap Weaving

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Back Strap Weaving, Lake Atitlan is a remarkable place of natural beauty.  Situated in the highlands of Guatemala at an altitude of 1,562m (5,125 ft), the area is known as a center of adventure, weaving, art and Mayan culture.

The lake is surrounded by many villages in which Maya culture is still prevalent and traditional dress is worn. The Maya people of Atitlán are predominantly Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel.

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Back Strap Weaving

In the small village of San Juan La Laguna, the traditional Tz’utujil textile techniques of spinning, dyeing, and weaving is alive and well and continues to be passed from one generation to the next.

In the village of San Juan the Tz’utujil women make their clothing with hand spun pure organic cotton threads that have been hand dyed with natural dyes and colorants derived from locally found plants.  The dyeing process is both an art and a science that the Tz’utujil women have mastered.

The women have a wealth of knowledge in the natural dyes for their products and their t techniques yield specific colors depending on which plant is used.  Leaves, roots, bark, berries, and insects are also used to produce various colors as well.

Once the yarn is dried it is re-spun and wound into balls of yarn, ready for weaving.  The women are then ready to start the weaving process using backstrap looms in which they make beautiful, intricately designed weavings that they turn into traditional clothing, table runners, hats, throws, scarves, hand bags, and shawls.

It’s absolutely amazing to watch them work.  There is so much skill and love that goes in to each hand crafted piece.  If you are interested in learning more about the weavers of Lake Atitlan visit Lake Atitlan Tours. Join us for one of the most interesting Weaver Experiences.