Textile artisans in the highland communities of Chiapas use a back strap loom to weave their fabrics. This type of loom is extremely portable and is set up in the fields or home so weavers can pick up their craft throughout the day. In addition to traditional uses they have for textiles in their personal lives, many artists have adapted their fabrics into items like zippered pouches of all styles and sizes. These designs are common to the highland communities of San Andres Larrainzar and Magdalena Aldama.

We have spent this past year based in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas in southern Mexico. Our time has been focused on building artistic relationships and expanding our understanding of the region. Chiapas is one of the two top producing regions of cacao in modern day Mexico as it has been traditionally for thousands of years prior to the Spanish invasion. As chocolate makers we have had the honor to produce Fortuna chocolate with this very special legacy crop and are excited to share additional items crafted in Chiapas.

The Santo Domingo market in San Cristóbal De Las Casas is a sprawling labyrinth of tarps and stalls selling handmade art. Situated on the steps of a large colonial church, indigenous Mayan artisans from the highland regions sell the art made in their communities as well as items crafted on site at the marketplace. Each item is unique and you can expect variations as a testament to the presence of a human hand in each piece.

Size: 3.5" x 5”