Mexican textile craft

Waist looms are still much used by artisan women who work both individually and in teams. Juanita the Mexican, who took part in the exhibition The Mayas, a living people: biology and culture in current Mayan society in the Museo de América in Madrid, where the photo was taken, is an example of individual work.

The juanera artisans in Guatemala, more than a thousand women in the region of San Juan de la Laguna in different organisations, are examples of teamwork. Their aim is to integrate education, quality products, commercialisation and respect for the cultural context. They show that cultural tourism, sustainable development and respect for the environment are possible. They use a wide variety of natural dyes, and weave huipils (blouses), skirts and table runners on their waist looms.