Trama

Trama means ”the weaving thread” and for us it means food, clothes on our body and the baby on our back. It is our identity.
“We are a cooperative formed as a result of the devestating years during the armed conflict in Guatemala during which our fathers, husbands, brothers and children disappeared.” Out of these times we realized the benefits of collaborating to support our village network and from this Trama was born.
The association was formed in 1988 and consists of 17 groups of indigenous weavers from five different provinces in the western Guatemalan highlands; Sololá, Huehuetenango, Quiche, Quetzaltenango and Sacatepequez.

Members

About 400 mayawomen are members in Trama Textiles. The groups can consist of anywhere from 3 to 20 women. They may range in age from their late teens and early twenties right up to 60 years, depending on the location and demographics of the area.
Each group has its own rich textile history and distinct pattern and colour traditions. These are reflected in their distinct hüipiles (blouses) and can be seen in the diverse range of Trama products.

Spanish as a second language

The women usually speak one or mabye two of the 24 indigenous languages in Guatemala. They may speak Mam, Quiche, Kakchikel, Tzutuhil or Ixil depending on the province. All women can’t speak spanish and for this reason each group has two representatives who can speak, read and write spanish and so can translate for the rest of the group.

Single mothers

More often than not the women are single mothers, often caring for up to 8 children. Trama provide these women with access to markets further afield than their villages in order to create economic opportunities and stability which doesn't exist in their isolated locations.
Tramas members hope that by providing the world with access to their rich Mayan textile culture, they can preserve their cultural heritage and ancient artistic traditions for years to come.

The Cooperative

The cooperative is also a place of learning. The women work together to develop new designs and learn how to make new colour combinations. These sessions are held at Trama in Quetzaltenango or may be held with one particular group in their village. Aside from product development they also provide an opportunity for the women to come together and share their experiences as well as develop their design skills, practice writing, reading and problem solving.