Guatemala, Multicolores, Rug Hooking & Embroidery

Multicolores is an association of Maya women artists who create original works of textile art using rug-hooking and embroidery. Each hand hooked rug is uniquely crafted from dozens of recycled second hand garments, mostly t-shirts: an environmentally friendly, innovative material that reduces textile waste in artists' communities. In their design process, artists blend ancestral motifs drawn from backstrap weavings, inspiration from the natural world, and their own imagination. The result is works of textile art that evoke both their Maya heritage and their individual creative voice.

Through their work, these contemporary indigenous artists are not only honouring their cultural traditions but serving as a catalyst for positive social change in their families and communities. 'Rug Money' by Mary Anne Wise and Cheryl Conway-Daly (from Issue 95 Heritage) tells the story of the Multicolores’ artisans from their rug-hooking apprenticeship, to becoming creative and innovative artists, empowered leaders and change makers. In her foreword, Mary Littrell writes, ‘the Multicolores rug project provides insight into the critical topic of folk-art innovation, a subject ripe for discussion as artists seek new and sustainable ways to maintain their artistic traditions.'

To follow the story of Multicolores, find them on social media here.