Meet The Women Keeping A 2,000-Year-Old Indigenous Craft Alive In Guatemala | Still Standing
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- čas přidán 5. 08. 2021
- Indigenous Mayan women in Guatemala have passed down the tradition of weaving for over 2,000 years. But when a 36-year-long civil war in the late 20th century threatened Mayan culture, wearing traditional clothing became dangerous. In the 15 years following the war, groups of women have banded together to sustain themselves and their families through weaving. We visited a group in San Juan La Laguna to see how it is fighting to keep the craft alive.
The weavers sell their products locally and through Trama Textiles' website: tramatextiles.org/
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Meet The Women Keeping A 2,000-Year-Old Indigenous Craft Alive In Guatemala | Still Standing
Everything on the website is very reasonably priced. If anything they’re undercharging.
@@WanderingMiqo Looks like they have quite a few options right now.
@@WanderingMiqo ok then go and buy lol
Right? I’m shocked the price is so low for that work.
Quit wasting your time and just shop on Amazon 👎
@@geniocristo5297 and thats the reason tradition, small shops and people loose what is neede to live. Don't like it don't buy it but don't make it bad.
Some people go to Guatemala and buy their products for such a low price only to resell them at a much higher price in their “hipster” “boho” shops 😔
Exactly!
Yeah, that's often how it works...
It’s always been that way, they do indigenous people wrong
Capitalism 🥱
What?
This is just sad. Similar handwoven fabrics sell for thousands of dollars in France and Japan, but because it’s indigenous people doing it they have to settle for $60, or even less!
@@ledWenceslas880 the true problem is the systematic corruption in the system which brings abt systematic racism. Source: im a Guatemalan
Keep in mind that due to the devaluation of the quetzal (national Guatemalan currency) and the low cost of living in Guatemala, $60 isn’t a bad price
@@ledWenceslas880 Japanese people today are NOT indigenous to their lands. The Jomon existed before Yayoi came and took over the archipelago.
@@eb.3764 Japanese people are indigenous to their land. Jomon and Yayoi people just intermingled together then later people from Korean peninsula came and also intermingled and so on. If you *must* find a closest example of Japan that is analogous to indigenous people of Iximulew they would be Okinawans and Ainu. But really, using terminologies that works the best for explaining western countries to non-western countries is really not the best idea. To be honest I see it as a subtle form of cultural imperialism. I come from a country🇰🇷 that had been colonized by the Japanese. We have our own narratives, own terminology, and own perspective of how we view what has happened in East Asian history and how that has formed East Asia as we know today. So I will tell you, when we use the word "Indigenous people of Japan", no one will think about Yayoi or Jomon people. No one identifies with such labels. For some reason I have been encountering westerners trying to explain East Asian history through their lense, and I'm not gatekeeping our region's history and culture or anything, but it's just that they are applying the narratives onto us without much deliberation. Saying Japanese are not indigenous to their land is just.... some western bullshit I'm sorry. And I actually feel weird "protecting" Japanese but truth is truth. Political views differ from countries to countries in East Asia and even inside one country but saying Japanese are not indigenous to Japan because of.... Jomon and Yayoi? That's just not how we things at all. I'm sorry if my tone came off a bit strong. Just wanted you and other people on the English internet world to know this.
@@user-pt3ms3ye5z How is this a western view? the japanese themselves use these terms to describe facial features. With the Jomon having stronger facial features.
Indigenous people are some of the kindest people you'll ever meet, and so humble. I wish I could win the lottery and build companies that would help people like this..
Winning the lottery isn't necessary down there. Figure out what you want to do and save money not eating out for a yr (if you are able to work) and check try. 😉 good luck!!
I think prayers and meditations are the perfect way to help all poor people. We could pray for the decent of God's all-powerful Grace.
@@Comingwings I'm not sure if their market accepts prayers/meditations in exchange for food. I think their country is probably experiencing the effects of prayer and meditation inflation, due in large part from all the exceptional help that's being sent by philanthropists such as yourself. I just had an idea! They can send some of their prayers back to you....and you can send them money in exchange! Since both are of equal value, you won't mind will you?
Me too
I hope you're able to achieve your dream somehow. I don't know where you are, but at least in the USA, there is a shop like this, with branches around the country. It's called Ten Thousand Villages. Look them up. Maybe you can work with them or get some inspiration from their model. Take care ~
60 dollars for handmand, natural dyed, hand spun. That is a steal.
I would pay more for a machine.
More notation & less artisan pretentiousness
So you prefer to pay $500.00 for a Gucci or Yves St. Laurent junk?
I was gonna say the same thing! They are so well done!!!
@@royalbloodedledgend you’re the pretentious one here lol
@@Myrnateatro I just get mine from Walmart, $10
To be honest 16 dollars isn’t expensive for something handmade
But the time and hardwork
Wait am I missing a part of the video because they said 60
@@faitodeyo7019 local markets will sell for $10-$16 but online is going for about $60
@@RiannaNicole oh thx
@@RiannaNicole I would pay $60 for something handmade but from them not from someone else that will make a profit from their labor
Their weaving Technic is exactly like ours or at least 90% similar to ours. We are indegeneous tribe of Tripura( Northeast India) and Happy World Indegeneous Day
Same with the indigenous people of the Philippines
It's also quite similar to my culture from Arunachal (northeast India)
Very interesting , I think we are all connected
It’s amazing how some cultures grew similar even though being on different continents
But how who taught this craft , where did it come from
I bought hammocks, tops, tablecloths and scarfs when I was there 20yrs ago. I still have them and they are still just as perfect. I wish we had access to these products in New Zealand!
they seem really nice, i wish i could go there
If you check the description, they have a site linked where they sell some of these goods.
Mayans magic
Handmade fabrics with natural dyes tend to last longer than factory made fabrics with synthetic dyes that are toxic for the environment. That’s why they’re generally more expensive.
Same here! Some of my most treasured items come from the weavers of Guatemala. Supreme, highest quality & most creative patterns, each representing something amazing...
This needs to be a UNESCO culteral heritage site. This will allow them to have global legitimacy and funding.
Don't you mean unesco intagnitable cultural heritage?
No! Unesco is evil. People who already have a business in other areas of the world need to form partnerships with these women to get their work out to the rest of the world! Private people WITHOUT THE GOVERNMENT! Is the way. People unite and stop expecting the government to do for you!!
You've obviously never been to a place before and after UNESCO Moves In they don't preserve Heritage they bring in globalization and if you look closely at a lot of their properties you'll notice they all have water....... UNESCO tried to take the historic townsite of Dawson which is already protected in Canada and a National Historic Site the village of Dawson City isn't very big UNESCO wanted the river that runs through it for thousands and thousands of miles... under the guise of a National Historic Site they wanted to commandeer the water rights
Welp i guess we need people to find interest in this i meant not everything would last long and sometimes they die
@@moocyfarus8549 Awesome information thanks but I would suggest putting a period and a space at the end of each sentence, and maybe a comma here n there, much easier to read that way 😉😉
I am glad that some people really make an effort to save their traditions 😊
Effort all for nothing
@@munk3064 wdym?
@@munk3064 it's their lifestyle
@@munk3064 🤡🤡🤡
Traditions some time make life harder
Those designs they are wearing looks better than most modern brand wears!
No they don't bro
They kinda do, it looks more comfy too, but I wouldn't know, I've never worn
The Mayan colored fabrics also have more of a richness to them than modern brands that use factory synthetic dyes. Naturally dyed fabrics are brighter and the colors last longer more than the toxic factory synthetic dyes that pollute the environment. That’s why fabrics dyed from organic sources are generally considered more luxurious and are more expensive than fabrics colored with synthetic dyes.
It's all about your style I'll never get one of those, at least not to wear it.
@@hindsightpov4218 that's surprising and impressive
I don't know why there is dislike even a few thumbs down for this beautiful ancient handmade cloth tradition....
Cuz she said the n word. 😂
Because internet. There's a segment of internet users who are only here to be negative and shitty.
@@creestee08 no she didn’t 💀 it’s a different language it just means black lol
@@creestee08 "negro" literally is the name of the color black in Spanish. Just like "noir' is in french. And there are no racial connotations to draw those conclusions... but go off i guess.
@@creestee08 Negro Is a color in Spanish. No seas pendejo 🤦 Learn Spanish it'll help you a lot in the future, especially if you decide to learn other languages.
They work so hard to make something so beautiful and tourist complain it’s to expensive. Keep doing the wonderful work you do on the blanket glad your keeping an old tradition alive today in 2021.👍👍👍
Big name brands with products that are lower quality than what the indigenous people are making are sold for ten times the price to the public. Realistically, tourists are getting a great deal.
Oh wow! I am speechless that their woven technique and end products are so similar with the one we have here at Lombok, Indonesia. The color, pattern, technique are so similar yet we are oceans away ! That's amazing !
how beautiful how many of our culture is similar or have share similar processes culture is truly beautiful we should always preserve it and be humble …
I'm impressed with bananas dye techniques
I wish us latino americans strived to learn more about our ancestors. Many dont even like being associated with natives. It hurts
The indigenous languages that were once commonly spoken pre-colonial rule are also dying, which is really sad. Now there’s so much emphasis on speaking only Spanish.
@@hindsightpov4218 thankfully Mayan languages are spoken by millions of people in Guatemala. And those numbers are not decreasing. Although the percentage is.
stop saying latino americanos they’re not latinos they don’t identify as that. and these people are probably not ur ancestors.
@@yeameow I agree. I find the term Latinoamerica to be colonialistic and eurocentric. May I ask where you are from?
@@yeameow So many people identify as latino in south and north America??? What? Dont tell me about my ancestors I've taken DNA test to find out about my lineage, i know my ancestry dude.
God protect the indigenous everywhere.
Yes, they are the holders of ancient wisdom and should be protected Worldwide. ✊🏾✊🏿✊🏽
I saw my grandma doing this when i was child. Now i am 51. That's nice bringing me that memory. Making threads with cotton. The tool was called "fuso". I am from Brazil.
Interestingly enough, weaving was present in the romanian culture as well and the name for that same tool here is "fus"
They look so happy and satisfied, such a rare sight nowadays.
It's quite admirable that despite all the strife, they're still doing the best can to prevent these traditions from being lost.
I don’t know why but I get excited when I hear people talk about my Beautiful country (GUATEMALA) !!!!!!
Hello, I'm mixed but I haven't been taught much about my Guatemalan culture, is there anything you can teach me?
@@lailahpope4768 Guatemala is where the taco was invented (by Mayans).
@@Xponential911 tacos were invented in mexico.
@@Autumn.04 wrong
@@Xponential911 it's literally a google search away dude.
I'll be saving up to buy some of their products
Smile of those hardworking women when camera points on them is beautiful
I will die on the hill of anything an indigenous person makes is never overpriced.
I went to Guatemala when I was a student and I remember going to one of these workshops for a tour. As a student $60 was expensive for me to buy a scarf, but now I know how they are made it’s worth more than three times that amount. This video really hit home for me.
Thank you for finally featuring people where watchers can buy products to help support them!
I lived on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala for a few years and met many of these women. It's really amazing what they do. I will for sure be going to San Juan La Laguna to make some purchases and support them when I return to the lake.
I was hoping they show a snippet of the lake instead of Antigua
FINALLY a still standing video with a link to the workers store, I'm really glad they have the opportunity!
When I went to Guatemala you would see the style of weaving every where. I also thought it looked so cool. I wish I saw this video before I went, so I could have appreciated it more. I still got some incredible pieces. This video makes me treasure them even more.
This is beautiful work, made with pride. It saddens me that tourists think it is too expensive. Anyone that does any kind of craft understands the amount of work this represents. Artisans deserve to be respected and paid a fair price. When we try to get their work for peanuts, we are saying that we want to steal from them. It is shameful behavior.
It's so heartening to see them smile through such adversity. And so beautiful to see them preserving their art and culture through their perseverance.
I am adopted from Guatemala and one day I hope to go back and learn about my culture along with how to keep it alive, learning to weave sounds hard but so worth it for keeping the culture alive
Oh my gosh, their textiles are absolutely gorgeous. I'm so happy that they are perserving and passing along the traditions. Y'all need to be charging more for the products. Your time and the effort that goes into these beautiful items is worth so much more. I wish them the best of luck.
These people and their skills and traditions are extremely undervalued. The time, effort and skills that go into making their items are worth the price.
Excellent short film. I really enjoy when BI takes a look at all types of businesses. Glad to see Lake Atitlan is still holding on to the traditional ways. :)
Very much made my day watching this.
That’s what it’s about representing yours and your culture to the max and keeping it alive 🙏🏽💪🏽
Going to save up to purchase some of their lovely products for my family.
For those wondering why there are dislikes on this video, it's because women are at the center of this beautiful craft. The evidence is in the video, from the struggles the women have to deal with to the violent history associated with their craft, the world hates these powerful and determined indigenous women.
It's probably because this is a documentary style video rather than "fails" or other trash not because it is centered around women. Smh
It brings a huge smile to my face to see so many young people doing this. Usually the people still doing crafts like this r the elderly. So this is wonderful. I am an artist so this just makes me happy.
Dios bendiga a mi país, mi eterna primavera, Guatemala 🇬🇹🌙
I feel proud to part of this tradition. My mother used to do this back in 1978
I've been seeing these patterns and designs my entire life growing up in the Southwest and never once knew they were part of the Mayan culture. Beautiful. I hope this craft continues on for many years and that these women continue to work in the traditional ways.
Beautiful weaving and people. Thanks for bringing awareness. I've checked out the website. I will definitely be buying some of these Beautiful pieces.
Ánimo mujeres preciosas de Guatemala! Vuestros tejidos son únicos, maravillosos. Yo pase un año en Guate y aprendí a valorar vuestra cultura. Tengo in Guayaquil precioso y muy antiguo. Espero volver pronto a veros !! 💋💋💋🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
I learned to weave and spin from my mother, I moved to Sweden and taught an old lady how to spin who in turn taught me more weaving and traditional techniques. I regard the art as a sacred thing in a way. Those who do it should be respected and protected for their preservation of the art.
I just bought two bags off their Trama Textiles website (website in Description). Beautiful items for sale. Colourful, gorgeous, hardwearing! I'm going to treasure these handmade bags for years to come.
This was such an interesting video. Thank you for hilighting these people trying to preserve their cultural heritage, and for not leaving the politics out. 👏
Thank you so much for sharing this!!!
Saludos desde Chimaltenango, mis paisanas
I love learning and being made aware of other cultures and people around the world and how they live, work, and retain their culture. It's eye opening and very beautiful.
I definitely would love to support this type of artwork and the culture. I've been searching for something authentic and vibrant. Art that represent our ancestors!💜❤🧡
I love the Americas 😍 from England 🏴
Cheers!
We love England too
@Lucía Plaza Pérez I hope this comment is a joke. “Americas” - OP is probably referring to all of the countries in the continents of America. The US isn’t the only one that can call itself “America.”
I’m referring to both continents north and South America and the countries within them
u can see the passion in her movement
glad to see such ambitious women that don't blame on the surrounding circumstances nowadays
Oh yes and I have been to Guatemala and spent time with the Maya and I still have one of their rugs left that I did not gift to someone. They do beautiful work. I never argued at the price, because I knew how hard they worked.
Oh,They Speak which language?? and They are from North America??
@@vagishalal i think its called "mam" or how my parents say it. They speak the language all the time in front of me
Idk it maybe a different indigenous language from the area
@@vagishalal I do not understand your question! Who is they you speak of?
@@vagishalal there are about 23 different Mayan languages in Guatemala so I’m not sure which one they speak but considering the location of this video it’s most likely Tz’utujil.
Beautiful people. They deserve so much more for their hard work.
Idk but I'm always inspired by watching talented women at work. Support them pls.
I bought a bag just to support these women, it is so beautiful and carefully made. 💕
Beautiful designs and such craftsmanship, unrivaled by today's mass produced shithousery!
It is important mentioning, that a country that does not remember and cherish its traditions is bound to perish in the foreseeable future !!!
I agree...
I hope the indigenous people document the process how these gorgeous artworks are made so there’s hope future generations would know how to make them should they try to revive the tradition.🤞
This is exactly how many people in the northeast part of India still weaves. What a small world and how connected we all are ❤️
I am from Guatemala but born in America. I went to Guatemala this summer for the first time to see my grandparents and bought there traditional clothes and they are so beautiful 🤩
Thank you for drawing attention to their business. I will be saving up to buy a scarf!
I learned how to weave cotton lines with my grandmother, is a hard and delicate process, but is so satisfying. May this woman's to keep their traditions and culture alive.
I purchased a extra large blanket and my family fights over it daily it’s beautiful neon blue and so warm and cozy!!!! I’m honored to have one and saving up for another!!
I was there 4 days ago! It’s awesome!
Thank you for sharing this amazing art form! The war may have ended but the difficulties have not. The fact that the women and men of Guatemala are still not recognized for the quality, and perfection of their textiles, is criminal. Please make sure that you are purchasing from the artist if at all possible!
Thank you for making this, and sharing their story.
It is attrocious to see this beautiful weaving not being given the value it deserves. These women are brave and beautiful. Hope they can keep this traditional ways of weaving alive.
Keep fighting as the entire planet/outside world is fighting its own sets of troubles!
In the near future more people will be seeking you and your expertise of fabric making and dyeing techniques!
Keep 'em coming I am hooked on to this series please do not stop.
These Guatemalan fabrics are amazingly beautiful, the camera doesn’t really show how much.
Oh my god! How beautiful people! 😍
Their weaving technique is so similar to the ones my tribe incorporates! So nice to see heritage and craft being passed down ♥️
I know what I'm getting for my family this holiday season! I will definitely be supporting this website. I will be sharing this!
The work is beautiful and a work of art, invaluable!
Beautiful garments! Purchasing one for my daughters.
Que bonito tejido, gracias por resistir y continuar was for a de arte
I am from the northeastern part of India, Manipur. We the tribals also weave this way.
👍😍🤩Bless them. Wishing them the absolute best.🙏💝🤗
I've never clicked on a shop site link so quickly, bless them.
2:19 and 7:03 and 7:05 really touched my heart
I would definitely buy from the indigenous community. Not only are these products beautiful, but they put a lot of time into what they’re making. In a world that is always trying to be futuristic, we also need the traditional so it doesn’t die.
She is such a good daughter. Look at the pride both these women have. Just beautiful.
God bless them they deserve to get amazing amounts of sales for their beautiful work
Love the way they make clothe. The patterns are so beautiful.
Our Special Queen’s ❤️🏆🎥✅... Thank you so much.
Beautiful women! Beautiful clothing! I'd be happy to pay that price for any of their work! Their products deserve a higher price tag considering how much work goes into it! Love the colours and patterns so much! 😍💖👏
I appreciate their efforts to keep their tradition alive.
I hope Trama is still around because I know where I’m going for textiles to decorate my domicile and my casket with!
I loved this one.
Amazing how beautiful their work is. Talented people.
And it's much more beautiful..that the stuff in major brand store's. Such humble beautiful people ❤️
This is cultura. 👍
In Europe a weaver would charge about 200 euros for a handwoven scarf that is not self-dyed! 60 Dollars is a steal! And 16 Dollars is an insult. Really beautifully work. These women (and men) deserve great praise for their work
People in the comments are always claiming they'd buy the products if there was a link to do so, well here's your chance or maybe that was just virtue signalling.
The skill and the work involved and impressive. Amazing work!
This is great! Thanks for sharing their link, too!
It's good to see people like her trying her best to let her heritage live n known to the world 👌👏👏👏
These textiles are organic and beautiful, l love these.
All weavers looking so happy. Their Products will bring only happiness to buyers
If people understand and appreciate the work they shouldn't complain about price. Something like this is priceless.
This why I want to travel the world so many wonderful things to learn and see. You just don't that in USA.
I would love to learn from them. Weaving is my passion.
Never bargain their work!
"When we are HAPPY we bring out BRIGHT Colours, When we are SAD we bring out DARK colours"
Always put your feelings into your art!
The 17 dislikes are from people whom can't recognize exquisite handmade products. Prob haven't worked a day of hard labor in their life or gone without necessities. Let alone a lifetime of it. SMH