Tactic Stripes in Black Handwoven Cotton Cosmetic Bag in Black from Guatemala
Tactic Stripes in Black Handwoven Cotton Cosmetic Bag in Black from Guatemala
SKU: SKU: SK-NVC-318388
The artisan women of Tactic, Guatemala hand-weave this cosmetic bag of cotton on the traditional backstrap loom. Mirian Otzin presents the bag, featuring stripes of pearl grey over a body of black. Multicolored geometric patterns that depict a procession of birds accentuate a poppy red band at the center. It opens with a zipper to reveal a cotton and plastic lining, perfect for holding all of your beauty needs.
- materials: 100% cotton; cotton and plastic lining
- Features a zipper closure
- Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
Dry on low heat cycle;Machine wash separately in cold water
Artisan Information
Artisan Information
Mirian Otzin
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I was born in a beautiful Maya village where we speak Kaqchiquel rather than Spanish. When I was born, my dad wasn't there and, when he arrived, everyone was scared to tell him his wife had given birth to a girl. See, his father had only wanted boys, never girls, and everyone thought he'd be the same. So when they took him to see me, he just picked me up in his loving arms and everyone realized dad was simply not like my grandfather!
I was a very fortunate little girl because my parents let me go to school – not many girls were allowed to go and many of my relatives disapproved of me going to school.
Mother contributed to the family finances by weaving, and my four siblings and I helped her out in the afternoons, when we got back from school. That's how I began to weave when I was eight years old – the first thing I wove was a napkin! In fact that's what many mothers taught their daughters to weave because it isn't regarded as an 'important' thing and mistakes can hardly be noticed. However I was so very proud of what I had done I kept showing it off every time we had visitors.
Then I worked on a huipil blouse and I wore it out so much it became unwearable. And so I continued to weave, turning this art form into my life. I love this art because it represents my past and my present. Through our textiles, we communicate our cultural values. I love to weave because it also represents the work of many women who use it to express themselves.
Preserving this beautiful artistic tradition has become a challenge since young women don't seem to be interested in weaving, so we need to promote it or else it will die out.
My identity is woven into this art and I love it. I feel accomplished when I help others to weave, let them preserve their own identity in their themes, as well as find a way to earn and provide for their families.
For 16 years, I worked for an organization that supported women weavers and, in 2012, I began working on my own – it's not been easy, it's a challenge. But it comes with many rewards.
Every design I make tells a story, and it's about our ancestors. It tells of our traditions and customs. Then we all weave together. I love it when we all share ideas and develop our own creativity.
I dream of having my own workshop and that it's so big that we can offer work to many women, and that my children learn this lesson – always share the best of you. I hope to see more families reintegrate and I can contribute to this by creating jobs so people don't have to emigrate.
Many thanks to all of you for selecting our work. Each represents an opportunity to improve our lives.
Supplier Information
Supplier Information
NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.
Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.
Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.
The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.
Shipping
Shipping
United States shipping only. Expedited shipping is unavailable. Allow for 1-2 days extra processing time. This product may ship separately from other products in your order and may have longer than normal shipping timelines as it will ship directly from its country of origin.
Returns
Returns
All sales of this product are final -- we do not accept returns or issue replacements unless there is a defect with the product. Please review our Returns & Exchanges policy.