Support Micro-Enterprise in Guatemala

Maya families who participate in the Guatemala Stove Project assist the local masons in building their stoves. They also commit labour and resources to a co-operative enterprise with other GSP families in the area.

Click dolls for larger images.

A group initiative such as a market garden, egg production, or craft co-op increases village self sufficiency and strengthens local autonomy. We facilitate networking between the different villages and various medical and fair trade NGOs. The people see an immediate improvement in their health and well being. Best of all, it is sustainable.

The Women of Ixchel:

The Women of Ixchel are one of the groups guiding our efforts to enable these endeavors to flourish. Taking the name of the Moon Goddess who brought the art of weaving to their ancestors, the women of the co-op are working to create and coordinate micro-enterprise throughout Guatemala.

In an effort to reach out, raise awareness and bring in much needed international funds they have created the 'Ixchel Dolls'. On back-strap looms they weave traditional clothing which resembles their own. They carefully sew and braid the hair, and then embroider the face and details.

The men participate as well by working the larger floor looms to create the distinctive ikat weaving that is their specialty. This has been a source of great pride for these Maya people who live in remote highland villages of Guatemala - as well as much needed income. You can now order these dolls through the Guatemala Stove Project. All money raised goes back to the Women of Ixchel to seed more initiatives.

The Story of Ixchel

Maya myth tells us that, at the dawn of time, our Grandmother, Ixchel the Moon Goddess, taught the first woman to weave on a back-strap loom. For more than two thousand years, Maya women have used this humble loom to weave beautiful cloth, rich with symbols that form their culture. Maya women love to weave, inscribing in their cloth their peoples unique view of the universe and their passion for nature. Although regarded among the world's finest textile artists, Maya weavers live in conditions of extreme poverty.

The Guatemala Stove Project is especially helpful to these rural women, who must spend most of the day on their knees in the dirt stooped over a smoky fire. With the renewed hope and energy that comes with their improved health the GSP helps them organize micro-enterprises to increase the sustainability of their villages.

'In Maya creation the Goddess Ixchel worked in collaboration with other women and in partnership with nature to give to humanity. We, the granddaughters of Ixchel, take this teaching as a guide to illuminate the path to our future. Ixchel is a true force with which we can provide a dignified future for ourselves and our children.

In order to unify our creative energy, talent and resources, we have formed a not-for-profit women's association with the purpose of building our bridges to greet the new dawn. Your generosity and help in spreading the word are appreciated.'

	Ordering Information Dolls come in two sizes, 12 and 16 inches. Each is unique and hand crafted by members of the Women of Ixchel in the western Highlands of Guatemala. The dolls are shipped via Canada Post in environmentally friendly packaging. Contact us at info@womenofixchel.org for more information. Small(12") Large(16") Price $25.00 CAD $35.00 CAD Shipping $7.00 CAD $9.50 CAD Total $32.00 CAD $44.50 CAD Cheques or money orders payable to the Guatemala Stove Project can be mailed to: Guatemala Stove Project C/o Ali Ross 668 Brooke Valley Rd, Perth, Ontario, Canada K7H 3C6 Please include the address to which you want the doll sent. We will attempt to accomodate color preferences if any.