Half-Day Weaving Workshop

Description

Half-Day Weaving Workshop with Lema Weaving Cooperative
Location: San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala

Experience Traditional Mayan Weaving in San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala
Immerse yourself in the ancient craft of Mayan weaving with a hands-on workshop at the Lema Weaving Cooperative in San Juan La Laguna. This unique experience offers a deep dive into the traditional techniques of backstrap weaving, a process passed down through generations. Learn to create your very own handwoven scarf, using naturally dyed cotton threads derived from local plants and minerals.

During this 3-4 hour workshop, you’ll be guided by skilled Mayan artisans who will help you set up your backstrap loom and teach you the basics of weaving. The use of hand-dyed, eco-friendly cotton threads adds an authentic touch to your creation, allowing you to connect with the culture and history of the Mayan people.

Workshop Highlights

• A Journey into Mayan Heritage:
  Begin with an introduction to the rich cultural history and significance of weaving in Mayan communities. For centuries, weaving has been more than just an art—it’s a way of preserving stories, symbols, and traditions that connect families and communities.
• Hands-on Backstrap Weaving:
  Using a backstrap loom—a traditional, portable loom tied around the weaver’s waist—you’ll work directly with materials and tools used by generations of Mayan weavers. This intimate, authentic process connects you to the roots of this ancient craft.
• Natural Cotton and Hand-Dyed Threads:
  Experience the beauty of sustainable materials as you work with naturally dyed cotton threads. These vibrant colors are achieved using local plants, seeds, and minerals, showcasing the harmony between Mayan artistry and nature. The cooperative employs eco-friendly dyeing processes that are safe for the environment and honor ancestral methods.
• Guided Weaving to Create Your Scarf:
  Your backstrap loom will be set up and ready for weaving, allowing you to dive straight into the creative process. With guidance and encouragement from the cooperative’s expert weavers, you’ll weave your very own scarf—a lasting symbol of your connection to this beautiful culture.
• Support Local Artisans: Half-Day Weaving Workshop
  By participating in this workshop, you’re directly supporting the Lema Weaving Cooperative and its mission to preserve traditional weaving practices, empower local women, and create a sustainable future for their craft.