Voiceover: From the Andean highlands to Mesoamerica, textiles have been a valuable commodity and an art form?.
Text: Backstrap Weaving:
Voiceover: In the highlands of Guatemala, women have been weaving with abackstrap loom since pre-Columbian times. To do backstrap weaving, the weaver sits down on the ground, wraps a string around her waist and straps herself to a tree. Using this technique, the weavers can make beautiful garments using simple tools such as string and different sticks of wood of various sizes.
The weaver starts by preparing the strings and different-sized sticks for different designs. Once seated at the loom, the weaver passes the shuttle between the layers of thread and pulls towards the body to tighten the weaving. Even though modern techniques are now available in Guatemala, many women still prefer the traditional techniques for weaving.
Francesca Morales, Mayan Backstrap Weaver: Nosotros no usamos maquinas para hacer por eso aqui los tenemos este son los maquinas asi para usar para hacer todo lo queremos todo este el dibujos? y ni usamos este otro clase de material para tejer?
(We do not use machines to make these ? Here, what we have here are the machines to use, to make everything that we want ? all of these patterns ? we don't even use other materials to weave?)
Voiceover: This technique provides a seamless finish to their garments, displaying intricate designs and motifs. Many of these textiles are used to create elaborate huipiles, a traditional form of dress that dates back to pre-Columbian times. These huipiles can take months to complete.
For many Mayan peoples, it is important to continue the ancient tradition of backstrap weaving to keep their cultural heritage alive. Thanks to Francesca and Maximo Morales, and other Mayan-Canadians, this integral part of Mayan culture is being kept alive today in Canada.
Maximo Morales, Mayan Backstrap Weaver: Bueno uno de nuestros objetivos de nosotros estando aqui en canada es ....ah preservar y seguir continuando con esta tradicion que para nosotras es muy valiosa y es una de nuestras herencias que nos dejaron nuestros antepasados y que nunca lo podemos dejar?
(Well, one of our objectives being here in Canada, is to preserve and continue with this tradition which, for us, is very valuable, and is part of the inheritance that our ancestors left us and that we can never forget?)...aqui en canada lo que estamos haciendo es compartir esta experience con los canadiences con la gente aqui para que conoscan cual es la forma antigua que aun estamos continuando(Here in Canada, what we are doing is to share this experience with the Canadian people so that they know the ancient technique that we continue to use.)