The charming keepsakes made by local artisans in this Central American country reveal regional patterns, traditional skills and its ancient Mayan heritage
Woman weaving thread into textiles (Shutterstock)
Traditionally, Mayan women spun plant fibres into thread, although wool or cotton is more common today. They then weave the thread into fabric on a backstrap loom hooked around their back to create rugs, blankets and ponchos. Motifs and colours depict regional differences, with blue customary around Lake Atitlán, and triangles in mountain villages.
Where to buy textiles in Guatemala: Buy tablecloths from Atitlán Women Weavers (AWW), a cooperate of single mothers in San Pedro La Laguna that also hosts classes. Alternatively, learn to use a backstrap loom at Cojolya Association of Maya Women Weavers in Santiago Atitlán. Contact for prices.
Woven baskets in Guatemala (Dreamstime)
Local women stitch coils of longleaf pine needles and dried sage-green pajón grass together with raffia, which is dyed as vibrant as Guatemala’s native bird, the quetzal. The baskets, which emit a subtle pine scent, are used to collect coffee cherries, to display produce at markets or as plates, coasters and decorative wall hangings.
Where to buy woven baskets in Guatemala: The mountain town of Chichicastenengo hosts one of Guatemala’s biggest markets every Thursday and Sunday. If you want to get creative, join a course led by Los Pinos Cooperative in Patanatic near Lake Atitlán. Contact Maya Traditions for prices.
Worry dolls in Guatemala (Shutterstock)
The size of a fingernail or thumb, worry dolls are made by wrapping foam and fabric around a toothpick. Local children tuck the dolls under their pillow at night, tell them their worries, and the dolls take them away. The figures represent the Mayan princess Lxmucane as, according to legend, the sun god gave her the gift of problem solving.
Where to buy worry dolls in Guatemala: You can buy worry dolls across Guatemala. You can make the dolls at Doña Rosa’s house in San Lorenzo el Cubo near Antigua, on a tour with Niños de Guatemala; approx £25.
Barriletes Gigantes Festival in Guatemala (Shutterstock)
Another Mayan tradition, Barriletes Gigantes (Giant Kites) Festival takes place on 1 November in Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango, halfway between the capital and Chimaltenango. The kites are up to 15 metres wide. Made from bamboo, cloth and paper, they’re hand-painted with images of birds and flowers then flown for as long as possible over graves to honour the dead.
Where to buy kites in Guatemala: Buy kites from Nim Pot, Antigua or instead join a workshop led by kitemaker Julio Asturias in Lake Atitlán. Pre-book through Bright Future Global Tours. A four-hour class is £11-£18.
Maya Blue fabric in Guatemala (Shutterstock)
Residents of San Antonio Palopó village in the hills around Lake Atitlán wear huipiles (embroidered blouses) and cortes (long skirts) that are dyed with indigo. The pigment comes from the leaves of the native anil plant. When mixed with palygorskite clay, it is known as Maya blue. The village also produces blue and cream pottery.
Where to buy indigo-dyed fabric in Guatemala: Browse indigo-dyed fabric and pottery in Panajachel, the gateway town to Lake Atitlán. Have a go yourself in a natural dye workshop with Rising Minds in San Juan la Laguna. A 90-min class is £19.
Get the very best of Wanderlust by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.