MOMOSTENANGO, GUATEMALA

Nestled in the Sierra Madre Highlands, Momostenango has become the major center of wool textile production in Guatemala. Momostenango is endowed with sulphur springs which provide the perfect combination of hot water and flat rocks for foot fulling the newly woven blankets.

THE PROCESS

All the stages of production from fiber preparation, spinning, dying, warping, weaving, fulling and finishing can be carried out in a home using intergenerational task sharing, most often male. Some stages such as dying or commercial spinning can also be done outside the weaving unit. Weaving on the large treadle floor loom requires the greatest experience, while smaller tasks such as bobbin winding are left to younger learners. Women are sometimes involved in the yarn processing but more frequently take on other responsibilities within the household.