Product Description

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, works together with talented artisan designers around the world to produce stunning, keepsake treasures. Our mantra is to spread global happiness, so rest assured - we'll do everything we possibly can to ensure you're a happy customer.

About this item: Woven by hand, three delightful cosmetic bags feature stripes in black and white that run in both directions. Women from Aj Quen line each one and add zipper closures. The large bag has a convenient inner pocket.

About our Artist: The Aj Quen Association is one of the oldest weaving associations in Guatemala. It was founded as a non-profit development entity in 1989 through the efforts of six different artisan groups from various regions of the country. These groups came together to help preserve their cultural identity and to better market their art. Later on, widows affected by three decades of armed conflict and political violence joined Aj Quen. In Cakchiquel Maya, aj quen means the weaver. The association includes 26 artisan groups for a total of 800 craftspeople, of whom 96 percent are women from four Maya groups - the Quiche, Cakchiquel, Tzutujil and Kekchi. Over the past 20 years, the association has trained more than 40 artisan groups, many of which are now independent. The social impact we've achieved is exciting, a spokesperson says. We can't yet say that our artisans have overcome their poverty but at least they can eat three times a day. The same is happening with their family economy - today some of the women earn more than men! That would have ben totally impossible a few years ago. Our mission is to cooperate with the community's development as a whole, helping them to professionalize their crafting activities in the long run. What distinguishes Aj Quen from other groups is the training that...