About Guatemala Textiles School
TRIP DURATION: roughly 7-8 hours
TRIP LOCATION: San Juan La Laguna
TRIP PHYSICAL LEVEL: Easy & Relaxed
TRIP DETAILS: $150.00 (Q1150) – 1 person (private workshop) / $130.00 (Q970) – 2 or more people – all weaving supplies are provided.
WHAT TO BRING: Bring a camera, water, snacks, and clothes that you don’t mind getting dye on, and be prepared to have an incredible day!
Guatemala Textiles Workshop School Supporting the Village of San Juan Lake Atitlan
After arriving in San Juan at the boat docks you climb a steep hill that has unique textile, painting, and art stalls on either side of the street. Most of these products are produced by cooperatives of women from the village. The art here is very unique and unlike what you find in other villages around the lake. You also see many murals painted on the side of buildings throughout San Juan that are an expression of their culture.
We Accept The Following
Guate 502-4467-9981
whereisguatemala@gmail.com
Guatemala Textiles School Features
Guatemala Textiles School is featured at the Tz’utujil weavers of San Juan La Laguna are well known for making their own pure organic cotton thread and the use of natural dyes. By using traditional techniques, styles, and designs, the women of San Juan La Laguna work to preserve weaving traditions for future generations.
Guatemala Textiles School explores the weaving traditions found in San Juan La Laguna located along the shoreline of Lake Atitlan Guatemala.
As a participant you will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of one of the oldest forms of artistic expression by working and learning directly from the Tz’utujil women of San Juan.
The Guatemala Textiles School you will learn how they grow their own cotton, harvest it by hand, spin it using ancient techniques, and then use natural dyes and colorants derived from locally found plants, tree, bark, berries, leaves, roots, wood, and insects in the Lake Atitlan area.
A few of the plants that are used are coconut shell, pericón, pepper, purple basil, hibiscus flowers, and achiote, among many others.
The San Juan La Laguna Guatemala Textiles School is a rare opportunity to learn from a community of Indigenous Tz’utujil women who are living on and managing their traditional lands. The strength, love and dignity of the Tz’utujil people will deeply touch you as they guide you in learning this ancient craft.
The teaching is conducted as it has been for generations in the traditional Tz’utujil community of San Juan. So roll up your sleeves and get ready for this one-of-a-kind, hands-on experience, under the guidance of master weavers as you learn how to make and spin the thread, dye it, and then weave the thread using traditional, handmade looms.
Our Guatemala Textiles Workshop School takes place in our instructor’s home. This is a wonderful opportunity to not only learn to weave, but also to spend time with a Tz’utujil Maya family, experiencing indigenous life in a small village.