Arts and Crafts

Cuxtal: A product commonly made is a shoulder bag called a cuxtal, in both Mopan and Ke'kchi. It takes a Maya woman at least two to three days to weave a cuxtal. It is used to carry corn seed for planting, for souvenirs, and as a gift. Some cuxtal carry inscriptions regarding the bag's purpose. Recently a craft center was constructed in Maya Centre and Punta GordaTown for the marketing of these products. The centers buy in bulk from the villager women. 

Along with the cuxtal, a collection of earthen wares such as pots, plates, and other handicrafts are sold. 

Cornmill Projects: Cornmill projects in rural areas have injected quite a bit of earnings for the women involved in these groups. Cornmills have helped to reduce the hard work usually done manually by women The cornmill projects were funded by outside agencies. Much effort was given to these projects to make them a reality. 

The funding is based on the amount of labor a group can provide to build a cornmill shelter and the concrete base to bolt on a cornmill. Centers are constructed husbands of the women in the group. 

A women's organization is comprised of fifteen members made of women. Leadership is difficult because of the diverse opinion held by the members of this group. Good leadership can determine the rise and fall of the cornmill projects in the various villages. The cornmill projects enhance development among Maya women despite the problems they face. 

The finances collected are shared equally among the members of the group, after all the expenses are defrayed. Examples of expenses for a cornmill are diesel, grease, parts and repair of engine. 

Sewing: Sewing is also a part of this project. Sewing machines are given to the villagers and are brought from grants made to these projects. A leader is selected who is capable and has a broad knowledge in sewing and the technical difficulties that are encountered with the machines. 

Materials are sewn in different styles, and where women take this initiative, they sell these clothes to other people in the village. The money collected is for reinvestment by the group. 

Clay Pots: Arts and crafts centers in other villages struggle their way out of muddy water to a bright horizon by making clay pots making. Clay pots and clay dishes earn a fair return within the group. The arts and craft center has come a long way. The arts and craft centers have come a long way since the early 1980's when some village members first began these groups. Voluntary labor increased the production of items and sales. Only 10 percent to the individual; the rest goes to women's group projects. Meetings are convened to discuss the type of building used or expansion is also decided if additional membership is needed. Money was available for the expansion of buildings. Out of the many groups involved in making clay pottery, the beautifully made bear claw bracelet was developed. Since the claw bracelet is popular in the market, the clay pots are no longer in abundance. 

Baskets: Baskets are the products made from the twine called bial in Ke'kchi and buyul in Mopan. These baskets are made to use for storage or as a container for carrying things most used by the Mayas. They store corn when shelled or can be used to wash corn when preparing to make corn tortillas. 

Embroidery: Embroidery is made by stitching designs with a marking thread on cloth around the collar and sleeves of blouses for Maya women. The designs are in the form of animals, ancient figures and many other symbols with special meanings.