AMIDI Weavers
The women of AMIDI approach their weaving with joy, confidence and artistry. The quality of their work has been recognized by the Museo Ixchel, the national textile museum in Guatemala City. For years the museum’s gift shop, as well as other fine local stores, has sold pieces woven by Ana Maria and other AMIDI members.
Textile expert Margot Blum Schevill, author of Maya Textiles of Guatemala, visited AMIDI in early 2011, met the members and studied their handwork. She concluded, “The weavings are beautiful. The women of AMIDI are master weavers who nicely combine the traditional and modern, in both color and design. Their knots, fringes and edges are spot on.”
The textiles from AMIDI reflect each weaver’s individuality. Some women work in geometrics; others prefer florals. Some pieces are neutral in color; others are bold. What all pieces have in common is loving, patient work.
Textile expert Margot Blum Schevill, author of Maya Textiles of Guatemala, visited AMIDI in early 2011, met the members and studied their handwork. She concluded, “The weavings are beautiful. The women of AMIDI are master weavers who nicely combine the traditional and modern, in both color and design. Their knots, fringes and edges are spot on.”
The textiles from AMIDI reflect each weaver’s individuality. Some women work in geometrics; others prefer florals. Some pieces are neutral in color; others are bold. What all pieces have in common is loving, patient work.
Backstrap Weaving
Mayan backstrap weaving is an ancient craft, enduring and evolving for 2000 years.
The backstrap loom has been a channel of artistic expression and a source of income for Mayan women through centuries of deprivation. AMIDI is determined to preserve this art form, an icon of their culture.
The loom is simple, composed of a few pieces of wood, some rope, a backstrap and thread. It is portable and easy to mount on a tree or house post. Each weaver has her own loom. It is one of the weaver’s few personal possessions. When she weaves, she actually sits within the loom, using her body to keep the yarn taut.
Women often weave in groups while they care for small children. Mothers begin to teach their daughters backstrap weaving when the girls are 7 or 8 years old. By the time they are teenagers, the girls are skillful weavers.
The backstrap loom has been a channel of artistic expression and a source of income for Mayan women through centuries of deprivation. AMIDI is determined to preserve this art form, an icon of their culture.
The loom is simple, composed of a few pieces of wood, some rope, a backstrap and thread. It is portable and easy to mount on a tree or house post. Each weaver has her own loom. It is one of the weaver’s few personal possessions. When she weaves, she actually sits within the loom, using her body to keep the yarn taut.
Women often weave in groups while they care for small children. Mothers begin to teach their daughters backstrap weaving when the girls are 7 or 8 years old. By the time they are teenagers, the girls are skillful weavers.
The Huipil (pronounced “we PEEL”)
This loose-fitting blouse is woven on the backstrap loom. The emphasis is on tradition, design and beauty. Each village has its own identity expressed in color selection, motif and technique. The distinctive patterns identify their community and tell the story of their ancestors.
Most women own two huipiles, one for everyday wear and the other for ceremonial dress. For Pachay las Lomas ceremonies, women wear over-sized huipiles partially or entirely woven in double-faced brocade (the intricate designs appear identically on both the inside and outside of the garment). For daily use they wear either bright, multi-colored huipiles of geometric designs woven on a black background or elaborate huipiles in shades of lavender woven on white. No two are identical. The garments are rich in symbolism; for example, a butterfly represents a messenger, and an arch is a protective serpent.
Most women own two huipiles, one for everyday wear and the other for ceremonial dress. For Pachay las Lomas ceremonies, women wear over-sized huipiles partially or entirely woven in double-faced brocade (the intricate designs appear identically on both the inside and outside of the garment). For daily use they wear either bright, multi-colored huipiles of geometric designs woven on a black background or elaborate huipiles in shades of lavender woven on white. No two are identical. The garments are rich in symbolism; for example, a butterfly represents a messenger, and an arch is a protective serpent.
For Sale
Because of an increase in criminal activity in Guatemala and the resulting reduction in the number of tourists, sales in the national textile museum, Museo Ixchel, and artisan stores have dwindled, negatively impacting even the best indigenous weavers. Recognizing the quality and broad appeal of AMIDI weavings, a group of friends in Northern California hand-carries weavings from Pachay to sell in the U.S. The successful sales events have featured collections of attractive, functional table pieces: placemats, napkins, table runners, cocktail napkins and guest towels. In 2010 these sales raised $11,991, a sizeable sum in a village where poverty is the norm. Every dollar from the sale goes to the AMIDI weavers.
In purchasing an AMIDI weaving, a collector is making an investment in the future. Young girls will see weaving as a reliable source of income, and they will be motivated to continue the craft. Culture is sustained. And, useful and enjoyable today, the weavings will be tomorrow’s heirlooms.
For information about future sales of AMIDI weavings in the U.S., visit Facebook and join AMIDI: Mayan Women Who Farm and Weave. Or contact us via this website.
In purchasing an AMIDI weaving, a collector is making an investment in the future. Young girls will see weaving as a reliable source of income, and they will be motivated to continue the craft. Culture is sustained. And, useful and enjoyable today, the weavings will be tomorrow’s heirlooms.
For information about future sales of AMIDI weavings in the U.S., visit Facebook and join AMIDI: Mayan Women Who Farm and Weave. Or contact us via this website.
