Workshop « Tejer juntas »,
weaving together in Santiago Sacatepéquez

"We thank the heart of heaven and earth, the sun that warms us, source of energy, and the different elements of nature such as water, air, fire, nature and earth. Our grandmothers and grandfathers who pass on to us all their wisdom and their finished work. We thank all the women of AFEDES. (...) "

AFEDES is a Kaqchikel Mayan women's organisation that works for Utz'k'aslemal (life in fullness) by promoting harmony and balance in life.

The aim of this week is to co-create together using a horizontal, inclusive and participative methodology.

Ixchel, who is in charge of the AFEDES association, runs the workshop with us. She is the daughter of Marineta, one of the weavers with whom we were lucky enough to work on the project.

On the first day, we looked at the symbols of struggle, strong women and power, in relation to their Mayan culture.

For the dye, the artisans use the leaves of a  traditional dye plant grown in the oasis of the arid regions of southern Morocco in micro-farms practicing agro-ecology.

In groups, the women draw these representations and begin to weave their own interpretations. This is an opportunity to create a new drawing and to link their cultural heritage to their time. For them, it's the first time they've woven anything other than the patterns handed down by their grandmothers.