57. Oxlajuj B'atz' (Thirteen Threads) Opening (12-18-2010)
by Karen Dunn | February 2, 2011
On December 18, before leaving town for the holidays, we stopped by the opening of the store for Oxlajuj B'atz' (Thirteen Threads) - (http://oxlajujbatz.org). One of our good friends works for this organization.
Here are a few pictures of a traditional Mayan ceremony that was taking place in the backyard when we were there. I think they are blessing the new building/store.
Below is some information about Thirteen Threads - taken from their webiste.
Oxlajuj B'atz' (Thirteen Threads) is a women's educational project initiated in 2004 by two Guatemalan-based fair trade organizations, Maya Traditions and Mayan Hands. Together with our sister organizations, Mayan Hands andSharing the Dream, we form the Asociacion Tejedoras Unidas (United Weavers Association) in Guatemala. Our US-based fiscal sponsor is the Maya Educational Foundation.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower organized groups of indigenous Mayan women throughout Guatemala to bring about changes, through their own efforts, that will alleviate the adverse effects of poverty and improve their quality of life. Oxlajuj B'atz' strives to fulfill its mission by focusing on the principles of harmony, sustainability and democracy.
Our Vision
Through the dedication of Oxlajuj B’atz’, members will increase their knowledge and skills to such an extent that they are able to have meaning and value in their lives, both personally and within their communities; their participation in democratically run cooperatives with other women they trust and admire will provide them with a sustainable income from their unique and artistically beautiful products, which will then have beneficial effects for their families.