The weaving and sewing of cloth is an important art in modern
Latin America, just as it was in pre-Columbian times.
Beautiful textiles are displayed at celebrations, given as
gifts, exported, and sold to tourists.
Many regions have become known for the unique styles of
cloth they produce, like the molas of Guatemala.
In most of these villages, women are the most skilled makers
of textiles. In some cultures, such as the Zapotec of Mexico,
men weave also. These artisans are highly respected by their
communities.
Many children begin to learn weaving and sewing while they
are still very young, like the girls in this picture.
Why do you think that the people of these villages continue
to make cloth by hand? What traditional crafts or skills are
part of the culture you come from?
