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Chichicastenango Huipil Purse
Chichicastenango Huipil Purse

In the Guatemalan highlands, women still wear traditional Mayan dress. Blouses, called huipils, are woven on a backstrap loom. The distinctive patterns of both huipils and skirts vary by region; they are unique to a place, symbols of identity. This burlap purse, features a unique folding design incorporates upcycled huipil (on the front) and skirt fabric (as lining) from Chichicastenango, near the village of Chontola, where the workshop of artisan partner group Ruth & Naomi is located. Formed to create jobs for women widowed by civil war, the group continues to provide economic and educational opportunities for the community.

HANDCRAFTED IN GUATEMALA

  • Burlap purse with woven cotton accent
  • Two zippered pockets fold and Velcro closure
  • 6.5Wx8H inches
  • Synthetic leather strap adjustable to 46.5L inches
  • Handmade in Guatemala

SKU: 8810410

THE MAKERS

The weaving cooperative Ruth and Naomi is located in Chontola, near Chichicastenango. The project emerged out of the terror and desperation of Guatemala’s civil war. With the help of a local Methodist pastor and his wife, some widows banded together to support their families through sales of the community’s traditional woven crafts. Of the initial group of 18 women, all had lost husbands, fathers, or both to the government’s “scorched earth” policy of the 1980s. The name was chosen because it spoke of two widows from the Bible who were without resources, but who worked and survived.Scholarships make it possible for teens to complete high school in Chichicastenango while living in the project compound. Some have gone on to complete university degrees. The project has also started a health and nutrition center. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased products from Ruth and Naomi since 1993.
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Welcome to our global maker-to-market movement where, together with 20,000 artisans, we ignite social change. We create opportunities for individuals, families, and communities in developing countries to thrive through strong relationships, fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable practices.

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