Chiapas Tote Bag (Arcoíris)

We love the gorgeous simplicity of these cotton totes, woven by Mayan women in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. The warp fibers have been braided together to make the handle, which can be slung over your shoulder for a trip to the corner store (or wherever). The pom-poms are just for fun!

These are woven on backstrap looms, an ingenious indigenous invention that dates to pre-Columbian times. In backstrap weaving, one end of the warp is tied to a tree (or other solid object), while the other end is attached to the weaver herself, and held in place by a strap across the lower back. Talk about being “one with your work”! The simplicity of the loom’s design allows it to be transported easily, and used anywhere.

22" x 17" (Image of a weaver using a backstrap loom by Diego Rivera)