Manuela & Esperanza: The Art of Maya Weaving (English R2)

Enter into the lives of two accomplished Maya weavers as they accept the challenge of weaving traditional blouses or huipiles in less than 90 days, from the purchase of threads to the last stitch. Manuela Canil Ren of Chichicastenango and Esperanza Pérez of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Guatemala, expertly share the art of back-strap weaving at its finest and most colorful. They also offer touching insights into their own lives and hearts, as they struggle daily to support their families and keep their culture alive. Produced by Endangered Threads Documentaries, a nonprofit educational organization. Running time: 29 minutes.

[@EpiphanyDraws]

I sure hope these women were paid accordingly. Masterpieces like this require compensation.

[@Marialla.]

I seriously doubt it. Imagine how much even a minimum wage worker would earn for laboring 90 days, all day long. Now imagine how much their labor would be worth if they were valued as someone with unique and specialized knowledge and dexterity, as well as patience to stay on one job so faithfully. There's no way they were compensated more than a tiny fraction of that value. Possibly they were paid commensurate with the value of a few yards of machine-woven cloth, or the price of an ordinary store-bought blouse, which may have been as little as a thousandth of what their hours of labor warrant.

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

@@Marialla. yes that`s all true. But she can sustain a couple of kids with university/schooling on her own… so I guess it`s relatively well paid no?? On the whole ofcourse it`s something else...

[@jenniferhughes8621]

As an amateur weaver myself, I am full of respect for this exquisite work. I know how labour intensive weaving is, & know that people generally do not understand this. More people should watch these wonderful weavers at work & appreciate the cultural aspect, which is the same in many other parts of the world.

[@hetedeleambacht6608]

And they do all the patterns by head, no sheat in the back of the weft…. amazing visualising skills

[@soniatriana9091]

Every huipil is a valued testament to the tenacity, creativity, & cultural beauty of a country & its native indigenous peoples! It is an exquisite textural dissertation of their lives & traditions! No one can untouched by its simplicity & elegance!! Guatemala is stunningly beautiful!! As are all it’s people!!

[@taleandclawrock2606]

Masterpieces. I hope they were richly paid.

[@elenhirtareldar4464]

This is exactly what I’ve wanted to say, the work that goes into it, is amazing!!

[@Bienbendecida]

Their notion of richly paid and an Americano’s notion are worlds apart-and so it goes. Sad and hopefully fuels people who purchase to consider this injustice and buy responsibly.

[@DarlyFofa]

Beautiful pieces. These are the people who should be making millions, not models or soccer players. I'm heartbroken with Manuela's loss.

[@tm13tube]

And great appreciation for preserving the techniques and traditions of their people.

[@elizabethastaburuaga4573]

Lo lamento muchísimo, apenas en este momento veo este maravilloso video y me entero a través de ud que esta maravillosa Artesana ya no está, abrazos a su familia y tmbn a ud, ❤❤❤❤❤

[@gofortharts]

That is an art form, not just a skill. How magnificent. Thank you so much for sharing. I have made simple rag rugs. They are hard enough. I wish I had your skill and patience. Wow

[@deborahhess2762]

Beautiful ladies and what an amazing craft...I was awestruck the entire video.. thank you for sharing...Many blessings to these women and their families.

[@hatchling88]

I enjoyed every minute spent watching these women working at their amazing and beautiful craft. One thing that struck me, disturbingly, was how they and their families had been abandoned by their men. It says a great deal about the women that they can persevere and unfortunately, too much about the men.

[@DarkMoonDroid]

This.

[@freakingtv2343]

hatchling88 best not to generalize. My dad is Guatemalan and he stayed by my mothers side for years and is still with her providing relentlessly. He’s a good man. I also have uncles and my grandfather who stuck around and cared for their family.

[@DarkMoonDroid]

@@freakingtv2343 Bless you and your family!

[@MsMata09]

@@DarkMoonDroid does it make sense to show how he knits the designs? nowhere does he have a video on you tube to show us how a project is done! so for me it is nothing great .... he only makes videos with himself for LIKE. WE DON'T WANT TO WATCH A SELFISH !!!!!!!!

[@jiaunmew878]

Thank you so much for sharing their story. Strong women with beautiful talents. I in love of their designs of weaving. Can't stop crying at the end. To these ladies I would say "Good Luck to you and your families. I really enjoy the pattern you weave. If there is a chance I will go visit you and buy some of your designs. Cheers!" I totally can relate to them. My dad pass away when I was baby, my mom is a single mom with for kids. So I know how hard it is to get the family continue to float on the water.

[@dgjin4871]

Omg m really shock to see this as its so much similar to how we weave our clothing.. M from manipur, small state of north east India.. Out here we weave our clothing like those women n the process is similar too ...really shocking n amazed that i see smthing similar in another part of the world

[@endangeredthreads3966]

Fascinating comment! Thanks. Kathleen

[@Harvinder639]

Hey illegirl jin can u post a video how you weave your cloths..i would love to see that..

[@CarrieMtn]

What a beautiful documentation of lovely women and their extraordinary work. Sus trabajos y sus actitudes son bellísimas!

[@ilianasamayoa9512]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for spreading the word about our people and their art in Guatemala. I am so proud of my culture and my indigenous brothers and sisters. Watching this video brought tears to my eyes.

[@endangeredthreads3966]

And thank you for your encouragement!

[@xinzhao7771]

Iliana Samayoa ii

[@MrMagnusFogg]

+Iliana Samayoa Beautiful people, yours...and don't worry about the tears, I had to clean my glasses a number of times :-DD

[@conniehyde501]

These women and their art are beautiful ! We are all losing so much of our traditions and cultures to other modern activities. Many thanks to all of you who put this video together!

[@pdmullgirl]

I watched this weaving video a few times and I’m fascinated by these women! What a wonderful craft to know!! I love weaving! Thank you for sharing this!

[@lynettemckone918]

This has been such an inspirational film. The hard work and extreme patience of these woman should be celebrated. When you compare this to what passes for western 'Art' there is really no comparison. I'd like to see Tracy Emin, Damian Hirst or Jackson Bollocks produce something as beautiful yet they are revered as masters of their art: these beautiful women far surpass them.

[@annedwyer797]

"Jackson Bollocks" - funny!! I agree with you. These women make tiny masterpieces. Jackson Pollack's "art" is just plain ugly and unpleasant to look at, and I've never understood what his appeal is, much less why his paintings are so $$ valuable.

[@teresat8924]

What a wonderful powerful group of Women! What they created with their hands was truly amazing to watch. I look forward to one day visiting and hopefully purchasing an item or two. Thank you for sharing your art.

[@lesleymorris4136]

Amazing work! As a person new to weaving I am truly inspired. It is wonderful to see that this tradition is being passed on to the next generations.

[@drippooh]

This is an amazing documentary!! My mom knows how to weave, and this made me want to learn more about my culture!

[@LilyMarroquin-j2i]

People from my country works hard. They live from this art. It worth the time and the effort. Ending up with a beautyfull guipil. Keeping Maya identity.

[@diannacovergirlsmith]

So Very Beautiful i hate the idea that this art is vanishing. They should be so very proud. thank you so much

[@ingridmulder4984]

It would be so sad is if this work of art would be lost because this is soooooo beautiful. I hope there are many daugthers who would learn it from their mothers. Zooi op beautiful!!!

[@rustygold598]

Absolutely Amazing!!! This was so enjoyable to watch! I will have to watch again so I can look at the weaving and not the translation. Thank you for your work you do. I hope you know how important it is to have this down for history. We so appreciate your efforts to record this.

[@sharronmashave1357]

Amazing talent, beautiful creations...its such a pity that this painstaking work goes unrewarded, such a craft should have higher price tags. Wonderful women, may they be blessed.

[@shafqattariq5443]

Very beautiful. My respect and love for all the women in the world who work hard for themselves and their families. God bless them.

[@marshmonster942]

Captivating! So much more than the weaving tutorial I was looking for. Thank you for sharing

[@hellenic.h1168]

Oh my what wonderfully talented women such a hard life yet so brave!!!:)).

[@megamanmadrid]

Un arte absolutamente halucinante, cuanto talento, Dios mio O_O

[@annahorton650]

Thank you. The work these fiber artist create is stunning.

[@Cassidy1136]

Great documentary! I thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you. Wonderfully talented people, beautiful work. :)

[@endangeredthreads3966]

Thanks for your note. Stay tuned. More is coming on the Maya as we work our way through more than a decade of videotapes. Kathleen

[@SierraNovemberKilo]

So beautiful to see women dedicated to their art/work.

[@selenadiaz2665]

Just absolutely gorgeous. What extremely talented and inspiring women. Just priceless pieces.

[@kathygoodman6159]

This is absoutely fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing this. Such beautiful workmanship and their culture should be preserved at all cost. I understand why young girls want to go to school, but I hope they appreciate that this shouldn't be lost. I'm so impressed by the strength of these women whose husbands abandoned them. Their stories have really touched my heart.

[@doralevitt2879]

Absolutely breathtaking- God bless their hands and their families!!! I just got into loom weaving, but I'm also a spinner, I love South American crafting, this video blessed me so much!!

[@nidyamajalca-newby9717]

Guatemala Is NOT South America. South America begins in Colombia. North America is Canada, united states and Mexico. Central America begins in Guatemala!!!! Geography Matters!!!

[@blancaameliagabaldonvenega34]

🙏😘💖 Dios mío, maestras artesanales tradicionales, manos de hada. Talento nato, paciencia franciscana, creatividad en su máximo nivel de expresión. Dime Qua Non, en ningún país del mundo aprecian y valoran la magnitud del trabajo artesanal, el tiempo invertido, mano de obra y materiales. Soy fan incurable de todas las tradiciones artesanales ya que desde que tengo uso de razón las practico además de las artes culinarias, bendiciones 🙏💖 Saludos a México y países hispanos. Bendiciones a los artesanos😘🙏💖👌👏👏👏👏🥇🏆

[@sublimnalphish7232]

Absolutely beautiful! Art at it's finest. Worthy of continuing, yet the economy is poor all over and the worthy price is hard to come by for most. This work is priceless .

[@elizabethastaburuaga4573]

Realmente Ambas artesanas son una preciosa joya de esta ancestral técnica del tejido Maya con Telar. Agradezco con el alma conocer y saber más de este tejido y su significado a través de sus diseños, son verdaderas Artistas del Tejido Maya con Telar. Felicitaciones y muchísimas gracias por su valioso tiempo y por compartir este maravilloso Arte. Desde CHILE, saludos y un afectuoso abrazo ❤❤❤😊❤❤❤

[@dianafrost6769]

I learned Navajo weaving some time ago and managed to make a couple of simple rugs. lot of work but rewarding! Diana Frost

[@jofrazier-hansen4097]

This work is so beautiful.

[@miaokuancha2447]

I hope these women were paid the worth of their time and their beautiful work, and are continuing to receive a portion of the proceeds from this video's income on KZbin.

[@Linda204]

So very beautiful a proud tradition that all would love to know but only the few ever will

[@angcharmine7871]

Absolutely gorgeous work and skill from these strong women! Stay true to your craft!

[@mazwas]

My legs feel dead from watching her sit in that position for so long. What a wonder!

[@1YzeWhoaman6821]

This was very beautifully presented. Heart felt indeed.

[@ЛюбовьКитаева-ц7к]

Как,мне,нравится,эта,работа,молодцы,дай,бог,вам,здоровье,и вашим,золотым,ручкам

[@clarimoura]

Oh my God, what an AMAZING art!!!! I'm really impressed!!!

[@elizabethshipman3947]

highi respect for these Beautiful women. ...astounding work

[@claygirl6133]

Beautiful work!!!! Sorry to hear about her baby :(

[@mery1940]

Beautiful job . Thanks for a beautiful video.

[@endangeredthreads3966]

Thanks for the encouragement to keep telling the story of Maya weavers.

[@dinaibarra7554]

Gracias , hermosos trabajos !!!!!

[@sherrydee7880]

I always thought these woven pieces were special. I just didn't know why. After watching the enormous amount of work that goes into making each piece, I have a better understanding & appreciation of this artform and the women who make them.

[@endangeredthreads3966]

Which is exactly why we made them. Thank you for your thoughtful comment Kathleen Vitale

[@jokesbenny]

Gracias a las mujeres que enriquecen la arte. Maravilloso trabajo.

[@elsiehendricks8915]

Beautiful and greatly appreciated and respect. Thanks for sharing

[@ElinT13]

Wow, beautiful weaving! Love it!

[@michellekuemmet5323]

Beautiful.

[@fortysomethingbadgirls2173]

Masters of their craft!

[@luciacroche231]

Que trabalho tão bonito!!!!!!! Amei cada peça !Parabéns!!!!!!

[@endangeredthreads3966]

Muito obrigado

[@kendo54]

Love this, one small disappointment, I would've loved to have seen someone try on the woven garment. A dress maybe pretty on a hanger, but you don't see the designer effects til worn. Just a thought, but so much work deserves to be shown off.

[@bridgetcarr1236]

All their clothes are handmade

[@silverrose7554]

kendo The last photo is all of them with the finished clothing they have woven. I know I would have like to see the American women in the clothing too.

[@thenewquiltinglifewithjanice]

beautiful, what talent these women have..

[@gloriaalvarado5070]

Que belleza conocer ese arte que hermoso!

[@deepquake9]

Bless these hands. 💗

[@123LilDebbie]

I'm speechless. Beautiful women with there lovely smiles.

[@rescueumbrella]

I hope their children give back tenfold for what these women have done to support them.

[@heymickey4512]

Great video!

[@betenoire9714]

Wow What an art.

[@sujaanil8627]

Thank you very much.....such a wonderful weaving.......maya weaving.I want to learn....very very attractive work.

[@madimoskala6150]

Beautiful amazing women.

[@Qrtuop]

Truly amazing art.

[@charperry4744]

amazing work love it. the women are fantastic.... very blessed to be able to watch.

[@kaykedenoronha2997]

Isso que e trabalho lindo! Que admiravel talento e grande paciencia! Parabens!!!

[@macumbon]

absolutamente maravilloso el trabajo del tejido, los colores y diseños. admirables mujeres

[@Spartan77772]

What beautiful work , God bless them .

[@eydnamortensen5985]

Absolutely stunning! Unbelievable gorgeous!

[@kameiajeilu9136]

Wow amazing skills ❤❤❤it 💯👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@chapindecorazanguatemala1214]

My from Guatemala is beautiful and good person is Guatemala I miss mi lengua mays

[@dharmadoodles]

Wonderful....!!!!

[@emine1608]

Tebrikler Türkiye den bizde başka türlü dokuma var harika sanat ellerine sağlık çok çok güzel bir çalışma

[@garcialove5930]

=) gracias lindo trabajo..

[@luisamanticof7984]

Manuela te admire, ,tienes un don, que es envidiable

[@antonia5718]

This is fascinating. Thank you, thank you very much :)

[@midnightxusermidnightxuser2668]

...🌈🦋and who are the Musicians supplying the music? Your whole video was wonderful! All of you who combine their talents are bringing a harmony that is unfortunately rare in the world we live in. Bless you all and those you love. And thank you, you are an artist of a different medium but never the less you are very talented thank you so much.🍀🐝🌸💝🙂!

[@endangeredthreads3966]

Trio Sol Naciente of Antigua (Benjamin Barriondo S. with Prospero and Roduel Castro).

[@glenyswana7259]

Awesome

[@heatherbott9909]

This was beautiful. Thank you.

[@endangeredthreads3966]

Thanks for the feedback! Kathleen

[@bettyfockler551]

Thank you! I hope these women continue their beautiful work!

[@debicarver11]

Incredibly beautiful

[@alidelatierra]

If you ever wanted to release the raw footage of them talking in Spanish we would love it!!!!! It’s always best to hear ancestral teachings word for word, with tone and connotations included:) also those bordados are sacred designs we shouldn’t ever rush them, it happens all the time but it’s disrespectful. Weaving was a spiritual tool not just for clothes, but spiritually was targeted in Guatemala so we can see it survives in different ways. It’s sad that you guys rushed this hardworking pregnant women so you could have a “finished product”. The important thing is that they share the knowledge, and they didn’t have to. I hope they were generously compensated not only for their work, the product, but also the expert course on weaving they shared with you to distribute.

[@blancaameliagabaldonvenega34]

Me encantan los telares manuales y portátiles, como no podía comprar uno, pues me lo hice de cartón de 2 pulgadas de ancho, en formato de una cerámica de 50 x 50 la parte de los clavos fue con el mismo cartón una distancia cada pestaña de 1 Ctm x1 Ctm en los cuatro lados.luego con hilo de nylon un extremo pegado muy bien por detrás. Y se monta el primer urdimbre total 24 o 28 pestañas de lado y lado. Y se usa la técnica normal.😊

[@uhidk...]

que vivan los mayas nativos americanos Guatemala

[@bumblebee9067]

soooooo beautiful :)

[@Skyaheart]

in my country also has transitional wing, but this is just so amazing work of art.❤

[@dbberns6196]

Very Beautiful

[@jessicamuniz9849]

Awesome Beautiful

[@mszoomy]

Amazing.

[@1053Carla]

Love this! Beautiful!!! Would love to see in person. Would also would like to know if could buy something from them and cost of a panel.

[@atroxx1000]

es inspirador....

[@enlightenedneeds1512]

Amazing！

[@rosafeninlampir4353]

Very Nice ❤️❤️

[@MONAXIA9]

Beautiful people!

[@psychobunny32]

beautiful! I will have to visit your country someday.

[@valerialemos7114]

Arte hermoso!!!

[@dewnisenevirathne5004]

It's amazing...