Nawal Ja’ Cooperative
of Nahualá, Sololá
Nawal Ja’ is a weaving cooperative of 10 artisans, dedicated to preserving the intricate tradition of backstrap brocade weaving. This meticulous technique, known for its complexity and precision, is used to create traditional blouses, with each piece requiring an astonishing 1 to 3 months to complete. Beyond weaving, these women are caretakers, tending to their families and farms, which must be harvested at certain times of the year. Weaving provides them with a vital source of supplemental income, offering both financial support and the flexibility to balance their many responsibilities. More than just a cooperative, they work together like a family—supporting one another, sharing techniques, and ensuring that each member has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
Shop Products By
Nawal Ja’ Cooperative
Explore the Universo—Spanish for “universe”—through this one-of-a-kind, handwoven pillow, created by skilled weavers in Nahuala using the traditional backstrap loom. At its center is the diamond motif, a sacred symbol in Mayan textiles representing the four corners of the universe and the sun’s path across the sky. Chosen to coordinate with the collection, the diamond reflects themes of harmony, direction, and connection—anchoring the piece in both cultural meaning and visual balance.
This pillow is crafted using the brocade technique, one of the most intricate forms of backstrap weaving. The weaver lifts each warp thread by hand, placing a supplementary weft in a contrasting color to form the diamond—row by row, thread by thread. The pattern is not drawn or planned on paper but passed down through memory and reference to heirloom textiles within the community. The process is slow, deeply skilled, and highly labor-intensive, preserving both the physical form and the storytelling tradition of Maya heritage.
Finished by Irma with hand-twisted cording, this pillow carries another layer of craftsmanship often overlooked in mass production. Each cord is made by tightly twisting strands of thread by hand—sometimes with the help of a simple tool, but often done entirely with the artisan’s fingers and practiced technique. The process requires careful tension and consistency to create an even, durable trim that not only frames the pillow but also enhances its texture and form.
This detail, while subtle, speaks to the care and time invested in every stage of the piece. In many communities, hand-twisting cords is a communal or meditative act, echoing the values of patience, pride, and continuity that define traditional craft. It’s a small but powerful reminder of the human touch behind every element—from the brocade pattern to the very edge of the design.
PRODUCTION TIME: 26 Hours
Explore the Universo—Spanish for “universe”—through this one-of-a-kind, handwoven pillow, created by skilled weavers in Nahuala using the traditional backstrap loom. At its center is the diamond motif, a sacred symbol in Maya textiles representing the four corners of the universe and the sun’s path across the sky. Chosen to coordinate with the collection, the diamond reflects themes of harmony, direction, and connection—anchoring the piece in both cultural meaning and visual balance.
This pillow is crafted using the brocade technique, one of the most intricate forms of backstrap weaving. The weaver lifts each warp thread by hand, placing a supplementary weft in a contrasting color to form the diamond—row by row, thread by thread. The pattern is not drawn or planned on paper but passed down through memory and reference to heirloom textiles within the community. The process is slow, deeply skilled, and highly labor-intensive, preserving both the physical form and the storytelling tradition of Maya heritage.
Finished by Irma with hand-twisted cording, this pillow carries another layer of craftsmanship often overlooked in mass production. Each cord is made by tightly twisting strands of thread by hand—sometimes with the help of a simple tool, but often done entirely with the artisan’s fingers and practiced technique. The process requires careful tension and consistency to create an even, durable trim that not only frames the pillow but also enhances its texture and form.
This detail, while subtle, speaks to the care and time invested in every stage of the piece. In many communities, hand-twisting cords is a communal or meditative act, echoing the values of patience, pride, and continuity that define traditional craft. It’s a small but powerful reminder of the human touch behind every element—from the brocade pattern to the very edge of the design.
PRODUCTION TIME: 23 Hours
This standard sham is expertly crafted in Nahuala from three individually handwoven panels—each one a one-of-a-kind textile, seamlessly joined by Irma. Because of the width limitations of traditional looms, this construction is both a practical necessity and a celebration of technique. The careful alignment of panels, matched with precision and reinforced through meticulous seaming, speaks to the artisan’s mastery and attention to detail.
The design is a thoughtful fusion of tradition and innovation. It features the contemporary Muñeca pattern—named after Guatemala’s beloved Muñeca Quita Penas, or worry dolls, which are given to lighten emotional burdens and offer peace. This motif brings symbolic comfort and storytelling to the piece. Alongside it is a classic diamond pattern inspired by traditional huipiles from Nahuala. In Maya textile heritage, the diamond symbolizes the four cardinal directions, representing balance, guidance, and harmony with the natural world.
Together, these motifs bridge generations of craft and meaning. Through the merging of symbols, motifs, and techniques, this design is completely unique—an heirloom-quality piece that cannot be replicated. It’s a powerful blend of heritage and modern design, made with extraordinary care and intention.
PRODUCTION TIME: 25 Hours