Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
see some of the most colorful, intricate, eye-catching and widely worn designs in Sololá
and Santiago Atitlán, near Lago de Atitlán; Nebaj, in the Ixil Triangle; Zunil, near Quetza-
ltenango; and Todos Santos and San Mateo Ixtatán in the Cuchumatanes mountains.
You can learn the art of backstrap weaving at weaving schools in Quetzaltenango, San
Pedro La Laguna and other towns. To see large collections of fine weaving, don't miss the
Museo Ixchel in Guatemala City or the shop Nim Po't in Antigua.
For a wonderful collection of photos of
huipiles
and other Maya textiles, see the website of Nim Po't
(
www.nimpot.com
)
.
Other Handicrafts
The Maya, particularly in the highlands, have a long tradition of skilled artisanry, products
of which you can see in nearly every market in the country. The small town of Totonic-
apán has dozens of tiny workshops that are open to visitors where you can see tinsmiths,
potters, wood carvers and instrument makers at work.
Jade was a sacred stone to the Maya and remains a popular material for jewelers. To see
the finest pieces you can tour the workshops and showrooms in Antigua.
One of the most popular Guatemalan souvenirs are the wooden masks used for village
festivals. Many display a curious mixture of pre- and post-Columbian influences, such as
the very devilish-looking masks used to depict the Spanish colonizers. Again, masks are
in markets everywhere but to see the best selection, go to Chichicastenango and for the
best prices head to Panajachel or Antigua.
