Welcome to the Cojolya Association’s Market Place

“Dedicated to the preservation of the ancient art of Mayan backstrap-loom
weaving and the traditions surrounding it – not just as a historic relic,
but as a viable economic enterprise for the women who weave.”

The Cojolya Association is a non-profit, Mayan, Fair-Trade Women’s Weaving Association located in the highland Tzutujil Mayan town of Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala, on the shores of the world-famous Lake Atitlan.

For over a quarter of a century, Cojolya Association has been providing sustainable, fair-trade work for some 80 women who weave on the traditional backstrap loom. It was founded by American designer, Candis E. Krummel, and Tzutujil Mayan, Antonio Ramirez Sosof, who share a mission to preserve and encourage this ancient but threatened Mayan tradition.

Combining the finest, eco-conscious materials and innovative textile designs inspired by nature and art, Cojolya creates woven designer accessories, showcasing the structure and diversity of the Mayan backstrap loom.

The Cojolya Association also runs a social and environmental program aimed at improving the lives of its workers, their families, and the local community.

THE COJOLYA ASSOCIATION’S VALUES
Our Association is committed to:

CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Through the preservation of the traditional Mayan art form of backstrap-loom weaving

ARTISAN SKILLS
By featuring the finest in backstrap-loom weaving

FAIR TRADE
In providing the weavers an opportunity to make a just and fair wage

PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE AND THE PLANET
By maintaining a carbon-free organization through the human-powered
nature of the weaving itself; by using only non-carcinogenic, ecologically sound
dyes; and by instigating social and environmental programs in local communities