Association of Mayan Women Weavers

Cojolya Association of Mayan Women Weavers is a Guatemalan non-profit, whose Weaving Center is based in the Lake Atitlan village of Santiago.

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 & 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)

A 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)

Weaving Classes and Workshops

Weaving instruction for one or more can be scheduled by prior arrangement. For further information regarding prices of classes and materials, please email us.

Social Program

ONIL Stove & Water Filter Installation Project

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 Heal 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.

For further information please contact us:
info@cojolya.org
Tel. +(502) 7721 7268
www.cojolya.org

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!