The products in this site are imported from Chajul Guatemala. Chajul - is a municipality in the Quiché region in the western part of Guatemala. Archaeological artifacts found in the region confirm that there were human settlements here since 500 BC. Some historians speculate that this is the region of the world where corn was first discovered.
The area was concurred by the Spanish in the 16th century, however the people managed to maintain much of their traditional ways. This region was one of the hardest hit during the Guatemalan civil war. Chajul was one of the bases of the main guerrilla groups. There were many innocent victims caught up in the bloodiest time of Guatmalan history. The men and boys were targeted and the women were left alone to care for themselves and any remaining children.
Most of the women learned how to make their own clothing, using traditional colorful patterns unique to this part of Guatemala. With this many crafts people, the area is very saturated with these products and it is difficult to make a living despite their quality and beauty.
The designs of the Association de Chajulense are their own and have been developed according to the skills of the artisans. They highlight the dedication and work of each fabric. They use 100% cotton AZO-free yarn and have a weaving workshop with pedal and hand looms as well as a clothing workshop. The artisans of the Asociación Chajulense de Mujeres weave in waist loom and pedal loom, in addition to making their own products. Many of the items using these fabrics are the work of Dutch designer Marjolein Keijsper and the Guatemalan designer Ivania Ruiz.
