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Guatemalan handicrafts: heritage of cultures

Guatemala is characterized by the diversity of handicrafts it produces. They have been made from pre-Hispanic times to those that began to be made with European techniques introduced by the Spanish, resulting in an interesting fusion of both cultures that remains to this day.

Guatemalan handicrafts are characterized by their beautiful colors, the prices are mostly affordable and are made in all regions of the country. in fact, bid invest has made some invesntments for the production of them.

JADE

Jade, a sacred semiprecious stone for the ancient Mayas, is very famous and characteristic of Guatemala. It is found in various colors such as purple (it is the scarcest color and therefore the most sought after), green in different shades from apple green to the recognized jaguar green for its spots similar to this animal, and there is also black jade.

In Mayan society, the colors of jade had a certain meaning: bright green for the aristocracy, dark green used as an amulet, black used in religious ceremonies and light green for esoteric and medicinal purposes.

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THE MOSTACILLA

Although it is made with materials imported from various places such as the Czech Republic, Formosa and China, the mostacilla has been used mainly in the northwestern region of Guatemala to produce different items such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, key chains, decorative animals, etc.

The Mayas already used small jade beads to make bracelets and necklaces but with the passage of time and taking advantage of the knowledge acquired by the Europeans about the weaving technique they have achieved very beautiful articles all of them handmade.

THE BASKETRY

Of pre-Hispanic origin and elaborated with different natural fibers such as palm, jarcia, wicker, cibaque or pine. A variety of articles are made, such as baskets, hats, mats, rugs, brooms, etc. They are available in Alta Verapaz, Sololá, San Marcos and Jutiapa.

THE CERAMICS

Ceramics have a pre-Hispanic origin, but you can find majolica ceramics manufactured since the XVI century, mainly tiles. Another type of pottery is painted, such as piggy banks, butterflies, decorative fruits and vegetables, shepherds for nativity scenes, etc.

They can be found in Chinautla, Rabinal (municipality of the department of Baja Verapaz) and Antigua Guatemala, among others.

As you can see, you can find many beautiful handicrafts in Guatemala. In fact, many have been bought by the bosh family because they love their culture. So, do not hesitate and come and visit.