Association of Mayan Women Weavers Santiago Atitlan

For more than a quarter of a century Cojolya has been providing sustainable, fair-trade work for some 60 women who weave using the traditional backstrap loom.

It was founded by American, Candis Krummel, and Tzutujil Maya, Antonio Ramirez Sosof, with a mission to help preserve and encourage this centuries-old and endangered Mayan tradition, as well as provide sustainable employment for local women.

Cojolya produces quality designer accessories that are inspired by nature and art, combining them into spectacular and unique collections of bags, scarves, shawls, hats, throws etc.

Weaving Museum and Designer Accessories Shop

Open: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-1pm. The museum was created in 2002 with the help of funds from the EU, IPADE, Medicos Del Mundo, and Vetinaires sans Frontera, and was curated by two dedicated volunteers. The excellent exhibition explains the significance of the ancient Mayan back-strap loom weaving tradition, and the intricate techniques used.

Entrance: FREE, but Q10pp donation is suggested.

Weaving Tours (by appointment only)

Jaspe and Weaving Tour

This tour of approx. 1½-2 hrs is guided by co-founder Antonio Ramirez Sosof (includes English translator if necessary). This includes an introductory talk about the Association and its history, followed by a visit to the houses of weavers and a jaspe dyer. The group then returns to view the museum and have time to peruse the store at their leisure, along with the opportunity to ask any further questions.
Cost: Q65 pp (if 5+ pax. Q55 pp, or for only one person Q80. Max 10 pax.)

Maguey Fiber Tour

This is a tour in San Marcos of approx. 2 hrs to visit the unique and endangered art of Maguey manufacturing (includes English translator if necessary). Jose Sacach is one of the only artisans left who still makes a living from this ancient technique. The process is demonstrated and explained from the maguey plant itself, through to the finished product of traditional bags that men used to use. The group can then return to Santiago Atitlan to view the museum and have time to peruse the store at their leisure, along with the opportunity to ask any further questions.

Cost: Q80 pp (Max 14 pax. Transport to San Marcos not included. Private boat can be hired. Please ask for further information.)

Weaving Classes and Workshops

Weaving instruction for one or more can be scheduled by prior arrangement. These classes can be for just one day or a number of weeks depending on the clients' requirements. For further information regarding classes, please email marketing@cojolya.org.

Cost: Q160 pp ($20) for 6 hours a day
Weaving Kit: Q120 ($15)

Social Program:ONIL Stove and Water Filter Installation Projects

Part of Cojolya's mission is to help and support its workers and the community of Santiago Atitlan through a variety of social and environmental projects.

Since 2007, the Cojolya Association has received financial support from Healing the Rainbow, USA, and OGIFA, Canada, for the purchase of fuel-efficient and health-conscious ONIL stoves. Stoves are purchased from HELPS International Guatemala, a non-profit organization founded by the engineer-inventor, Don O'Neal. Our long-term goal is to protect Lake Atitlan's biosphere by installing them in all of the lakeshore communities.

Due to agricultural run-off, human and animal waste, and garbage, the water quality in Lake Atitlan is deteriorating at an alarming rate!  It was voted the World's Most Threatened Lake of 2009 at the World Water Forum in Istanbul, Turkey. Considering that most of the population in the lakeshore villages depend upon the lake as their only source of water, this is a health crisis; especially now with the current Cianbacteria problems facing the lake. In 2010 we will be looking at water filtration options.
A percentage of sales from Cojolya products is allocated to our social program.

Cojolya's Weaving Center is located about 200m up from the dock, on the left-hand side, set back behind the tipíca stalls; just look out for the sign hanging over our entrance!

For further information please contact us:

info@cojolya.org
Tel: 7721 7268
www.cojolya.org