Quetzal Artisan is proud to present a beautiful selection of handcrafted products from Guatemala and Canada. Our name Quetzal Artisan originated from the national bird of Guatemala: the Quetzal, with its colourful splendid feathers it is considered one of the most beautiful birds of the World. Mayan artisans skillfully craft unique colourful pieces of art often inspired by the beauty of the Quetzal. The Quetzal is enshrined in the hearts of our Guatemalan Mayan artisans.
ECOFRIENDLY AND FAIRTRADE
We
invite you to look through our exclusive collection of men, women and children accessoires, home decor and other handcrafted gifts.
Our
exclusive wool garment collection is designed and handwoven by talented women in Canada. The high quality yarns include wool, alpacawool, organic cotton and bamboo made with natural fibers in mills in the Andean highlands of South America.
Our
Guatemalan textile collection are beautifully handcrafted by skillful Mayan weavers. After the civil war in Guatemala, Mayan widows living in remote areas in the highlands, joined forces together in small cooperatives to generate an
income and raise their children. They practice the ancient Mayan tradition of backstrap and foot loom weaving and textiel dying with zelf made natural dyes extracted from plants. A skill passed down from mother to daughter, from generation to generation. These carefully handcrafted products combine traditional with modern designs and respect for nature.
The
beautiful ceramic collection is handmade by small cooperatives on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. These cooperatives are community enterprises that strive to provide high quality products while improving the lives of their families and people in their village.
Our
pretty ‘Create your own sandal’ collection is designed by talented women in Guatemala and skillfully handcrafted by Guatemalan Mayan weavers and ‘Zapateros’ (Shoemakers).
Our
stylish and comfortable 'Hiawatha' moccasins and mukluk boots are hand-crafted by the Huron-Wendat First Nation of Wendake, Quebec in Canada, with pride and skillfulness combining traditional ancient crafting techniques and utmost respect for mother earth.
All the artisans who make these exclusive products are passionate about each item that they create. Treat yourself, your family, and your friends to these unique one
of a kind pieces of art.
Our Vision:
To
partner with socially responsible organizations and cooperatively apply fair trade principles, encouraging responsible use of resources and ecofriendly means of production.
To
collaborate with organizations in Guatemala working towards the preservation of the ancient backstrap loom weaving.
To
bridge between artisans living in remote areas and the international market.
To
empower artisan women by providing them with opportunities to use their talents.
Creating
jobs and providing equal opportunity to all.
