Description
Support Lema’ Association Guatemala:
Help Preserve an Ancient Mayan Craft and Empower Women
In the heart of San Juan La Laguna, a small indigenous community on the shores of Lake Atitlán, the ancient art of backstrap weaving has been passed down through generations of Mayan women. This intricate technique not only preserves the rich cultural history of the Tz’utujil people but also provides a vital source of income for local families. However, modernization and limited economic opportunities have placed these traditions under threat, leading to a decline in the practice as younger generations are pulled toward urban centers in search of work.
The Birth of Lema’ Association and Rosa’s Role
In 2001, a visionary woman named Rosa Tay—a skilled weaver and community leader—recognized the need to protect these ancestral traditions while empowering women in her community. She founded the Lema’ Association, a collective of Tz’utujil women artisans dedicated to preserving traditional Mayan weaving and creating sustainable livelihoods. Rosa’s leadership has been pivotal in ensuring that not only the art of backstrap weaving survives but also that it thrives, offering local women the chance to earn a dignified income while sharing their craft with the world.
Backstrap Weaving: A Cultural Heritage at Risk
Backstrap weaving is an ancient art that involves securing one end of a loom to a fixed object, while the other end is tied around the weaver’s waist, or back. The craft is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it allows the weaver to create intricate patterns with great precision. Historically, these textiles have been used to tell the stories of the Maya people, depicting important symbols, animals, and spiritual motifs.
Rosa and the women of the Lema’ Association have kept this ancient tradition alive through their dedication, skill, and artistry. However, without greater support, the ability to pass on these techniques to younger generations is at risk. Rosa’s vision is to build upon this legacy by expanding Lema’s reach, offering more educational opportunities for young women, and preserving the art form for future generations.
The Next Step: Expanding Rosa’s Weaving School and Empowering Women
Today, the Lema Association has outgrown its current space. With a growing number of women joining the collective and more travelers seeking to learn about Mayan weaving, the time has come to expand the operation. Rosa owns a small building in San Juan La Laguna, and with your help, we can transform this space into a larger weaving school and cultural center. The new facility will not only host weaving workshops but also offer additional classes in cooking, chocolate making, and cacao ceremonies, broadening the scope of the cultural experiences available to both locals and visitors.
Support Lema’ Association The Project Goals
We aim to raise $10,000 to:
- Renovate and expand Rosa’s existing building into a fully equipped cultural center and weaving school.
- Purchase additional looms, natural dyes, and other materials to accommodate more students.
- Create spaces for new workshops on traditional Mayan cooking, chocolate-making, and cacao ceremonies, offering even more opportunities for local women to share their heritage and earn an income.
- Establish a dedicated venue where travelers and students can immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural traditions of the Tz’utujil Maya community.
Support Lema’ Association Why Your Donation Matters
Your contribution will have a direct impact on the lives of local women artisans and their families. With your support, we can:
- Preserve an ancient craft: Help ensure that the art of backstrap weaving is passed down to future generations.
- Empower women: Provide local women with the skills and resources to generate sustainable incomes and support their families.
- Expand cultural education: Offer a broader range of cultural workshops, from weaving to cooking and cacao ceremonies, allowing for a richer, more immersive experience for visitors and the community alike.
How the Funds Will Be Used
The $10,000 raised will go toward:
- Renovating the building Rosa owns to create a functional and welcoming space for workshops.
- Purchasing new weaving materials and additional looms to accommodate more students.
- Setting up spaces for cooking workshops where local women can teach traditional Mayan recipes, such as tamales and pepián.
- Developing a chocolate-making workshop where participants can learn the ancient art of cacao production, a tradition that has been part of Mayan culture for millennia.
- Supporting cacao ceremonies, which are spiritual events deeply rooted in Mayan culture, offers visitors a chance to connect with the region’s spiritual heritage.
About Backstrap Weaving and Rosa’s Cultural Impact
The technique of backstrap weaving has been practiced for centuries, long before Spanish colonization. Each piece of textile created by the women of San Juan La Laguna is a testament to their cultural identity and artistic heritage. Rosa’s leadership in forming the Lema Association has had a profound impact on her community. By providing women with the opportunity to learn weaving and other skills, she has empowered them to earn an income while maintaining their cultural traditions.
Rosa’s weaving school has become a vital part of the cultural fabric of San Juan La Laguna. The school not only teaches the technical skills of weaving but also instills pride in the younger generation for their Tz’utujil heritage. Now, with plans to introduce new workshops on cooking, chocolate-making, and cacao ceremonies, Rosa’s vision is to create a holistic cultural center that celebrates the full spectrum of Mayan traditions.
What You’ll Receive for Your Support
To show our gratitude, we are offering handcrafted gifts made by the women of Lema’ Association for different donation levels:
- $50 Donation: A beautifully handwoven scarf, made using natural dyes and traditional techniques.
- $100 Donation: A stunning shawl woven by the artisans, perfect for showcasing the vibrant colors and intricate designs of backstrap weaving.
- $200 Donation: An intricately crafted bag, using organic dyes and showcasing the artistry of the weavers.
Additionally, gift certificates are available if you wish to support the weaving school on behalf of someone else.
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