Tierra Tote

Our largest bag features a motif typical of the traditional woven blouse (huipil) of San Juan Cotzal. This motif can be traced back to an idea central to the ancient Maya worldview of cosmic duality, commonly represented by two-headed "cosmic monster" figures which unite the earth, sky and underworld. The cosmic monster represents the annual agricultural cycle, as well as the cycle of time more generally.These figures have become abstracted over time and are now commonly depicted as zigzag lines. All our bag panels are commissioned new to ensure we are paying weavers in the Ixil region a fair wage. Scroll through the photos to see this bag on the loom and subsequently in the workshop of Ixil Collective's partner leathersmith.  Weaver: Teresa  Leathersmith: Beto  Technique: Backstrap loom with brocade design; Handcrafted leather  Time to make: 7 days  Origin: Cotzal, Quiché, Guatemala  Size: 20 in. wide (upper), 13.5 in. wide (base), 12 in. deep   Strap drop: 11 inches  Closure