If you’ve visited Guatemala, you’re sure to have visited Lake Atitlán. Located at the belly button of the world and surrounded by gorgeous volcanoes, Aldous Huxley is said to have called Atitlán “the most beautiful lake in the world.”
The Belly Button of the World
I’ve been very lucky to have visited the lake many times throughout my life. Actually, I was even featured in a Japanese magazine as a Tzutujil girl from Santiago Atitlán, one of many towns around the lake.
Little Tzutujil Me
While I am not Tzutijil or at all Mayan, somehow Atitlán does feel like home to me. So needless to say, I am so happy to be working with a cooperative of women weavers from the town of San Juan la Laguna for our new Tall Boot. The textiles they are weaving for us using the traditional backstrap loom and ikat designs are dyed naturally and carefully.
Francisca with indigo and cochinilla-dyed works of art.
Just last week, I was able to once again pay a visit to the lake for a meeting with the cooperative and another non-profit organization. Hopefully we have some exciting news soon… until then, check out how we are transforming the beautiful woven pieces from Lago Atitlán:
We’ll be launching the collection made with the textiles produced by the cooperative next month, with more photos coming soon! Our hope is that you’ll be able to feel a little bit of the relaxing spirit of Lake Atitlán.
Don’t worry, Lake, I’ll be back soon.
Kakaw Designs 