After all of the wool has been spun, Rosa prepares her backstrap loom, which have been used in the region since pre-Hispanic times. These portable, horizontal looms are constructed of two wooden beams that hold the warp yarn. The loom is attached to the maker with a belt (often made of leather) around the back. Men often stand while they work, while women traditionally kneel on a woven mat on the floor. One end of the loom is secured to a static location, such as a tree, and tension is adjusted by leaning back or forward into the piece, as needed. The patterns that emerge from backstrap work range from minimalistic solid textiles, to highly detailed patterns that sometimes take months to produce. While the pieces in the markets in Chiapas typically feature an incredible array of vibrant colors, often mixing two or three hues at a time, our featured custom pieces exist as the intersection of cotemporary design with traditional processes. Every piece is woven, assembled and sewn by hand and is completely one-of-a-kind.
Our collaboration with Rosa is based in ethical sourcing, and helps to provide a source of income for Rosa and her family. Clients who purchase these deluxe textile pieces are not only assured of fair pay and ethical production practices, but also that these quality works are fit to become heirlooms for future generations.
