It all began with our complaints that our weaving caused us pain. Through networking we found Karen Piegorsch, of Synergo Arts, who had worked with weavers here in Guatemala to design an ergonomic bench that eliminates the pain we were experiencing in weaving on our backstrap looms. She visited us for the first time in 2009, and planted a seed that we could even make the benches here in Cajolá. So, one thing led to another, and Grupo Cajolá organized a group of men to form a cooperative to make the benches. And we, MayaMam Weavers, became a part of the project as well.
The foot loom weavers weave the cloth that is used on the cushions, the seamstresses sew the cushions, and the backstrap weavers were trained in ergonomics so that they could be technical saleswomen for the benches. And, best of all, the backstrap loom weavers can weave without pain. The first photo shows how the bench gives Anciona more strength while she is weaving, and the other photo shows the bench ready to be sold.
Another great outcome of this project has been the cloth used to cover the cushions. It was proposed by Yobani, the master carpenter, with the design of the traditional huipil (blouse) of Cajolá, the main difference being that it is made of cotton instead of wool. And that fabric has caught the eye of everyone, so has led to other products such as vests, crib mattresses, aprons, and fabric by the yard. Serendipity.
By the way, if you want to learn more about the benches see Synergo Arts web site.
www.synergoarts.org
Man I wish someone could tell us how much these are sold for. Even if it is in Guatamala.
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