|
 The small back-strap looms are doll or small child size is from San
Antonio Aguas Caliente. They come in yellow, red or blue.
Each loom contains all the rods of a backstrap loom, in a scale that might
be used by a young Mayan girl as she tries her first weaving.  Even
if a Maya girl of seven or eight might weave on a backstrap loom
most of us in the US or Canada need to be experienced weavers to actually
use the loom. So, unless you are a weaver, its probably best plan to use it as a
wall hanging or loom display with your doll.
The pictures below are of the weavers of these looms, Dora, her Mom and
one of her daughters. One of Dora's other daughters has started
medical school. The family is all working to support their
everyday needs as well helping her. Its been difficult and Dora
was ill earlier this year
Some of the weavings have the
characteristic San Antonio Aguas Caliente weavings where the design looks
as good on the back of the ma terial as on the front.
If you are
interested in learning more about about San Antonio Aguas Caliente you
might want to purchase or get from you library the book "A
Life of Their Own" by Aylette Jenness & Lisa Kroeber. For more about Guatemala weaving check out our "Mayan
Experience" web page.
Please note the safety warning below. The traditional small looms make great educational displays and decorative wall items, but
children should not play with them, unless under adult supervision. |
.jpg)
Recommended
for Children 14 years and older 
