Fairtrade Guatemala

Hammocks Chuimekena – our favorites

Over 30 years have passed since our first contact with Lorenzo, the head of the Cooperativa Chuimekena. The hammock came to the cooperative through us, and today it comes to us from the cooperative. A great deal of patience and understanding were required on both sides before the first quality hammock could be offered for sale. We are constantly working on improving these special hammocks and creating new patterns.

The Chuimekena Cooperative has approximately 120 members, both men and women. Their goal is to jointly purchase raw materials, exchange and expand weaving techniques, and provide bridging loans (microcredits) to their members. They belong to the Quiché Indian ethnic group, who live in the Totonicapan Valley in the Guatemalan highlands. Living conditions are difficult, earning opportunities are limited, and the climate is harsh. Home weaving has a long tradition and is carried out by the men. The women take care of dyeing the ikat yarns (special color patterns on each yarn) and the general preparatory work for weaving.