$15.00
The sheer variety of Guatemalan textiles is mind-boggling, so we picked out a few of our favorites for these roomy purses. They're made in the area surrounding Lake Atitlán, and feature both modern and traditional Guatemalan textiles.
The blue and green stripe bag is constructed from handwoven cotton cloth traditional to the pueblo of San Antonio Palopo - it has a beautiful weight and is masterfully woven.
The red and black multi-stripe bag features cloth from Sololá, the eponymous capital of the department in which Lake Atitlán is situated. It features figures and and patterns created using the jaspe technique—which is known in other places as ikat. The cotton is tied before dyeing to create patterns and details that the weaver predetermines. The bright colors on a black and white field are wonderfully striking.
The blue and multicolor jaspe bags are the result of a complex dyeing process - similar to what's known elsewhere as ikat - that involves tying off sections of thread to produce a planned pattern.
The metallic stripe bag is a fun twist on traditional fabrics. Lots of young Guatemalan women are using this fabric in skirts (cortes) for an updated traje look. The black cotton is woven with metallic threads in blue, green, copper and silver.