Agave Tote Bag

$80.00

Please note this product is undyed or naturally dyed. Color variations are to be expected and are not a defect.

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The Craft

Agave is a local, native material to Tituque Abajo, being the primary plant grown in the area for tequila production. Tequila production requires the use of the heart of the agave plant, leaving the spears as byproduct, otherwise serving no additional purpose. The Guatemalan weavers, however, have developed a craft using the wasted leaves for fiber. There are currently no efforts to sustainably cultivate organic cotton, linen, hemp or bamboo in Guatemala. Our goal is to establish and scale a community that can eventually sustain itself by growing and weaving with Agave fiber.

The Land

Within Guatemala’s relatively small land area, 14 distinct ecosystems found at elevations varying from sea level to higher than 14,000ft can be found. One of these diverse regions is Tituque Abajo, in Chiquimula, where Agave is grown. Despite a short but strong rainy season, the area suffers from drought most of the year, creating an environment for Agave to flourish. The village where the agave is harvested and woven is situated in a semi-remote location, surrounded by hill country plantations.

The Process

Every 2 or 3 months the agave is harvested, creating work year-round. Used wet or fresh, the Agave is then dyed using natural sources collected in the region. Tea, eucalyptus, cuje, mango, black walnut, palo de pito, are some of the sources for the colors, from gray to yellow to green. Production takes place in completely off the grid as each piece is woven by hand utilizing time honored traditional techniques.

The People

Around fifty women of all ages make up this weaving cooperative, which has become the main source of income for families, while their husbands work as farmers in the surrounding areas. As young girls, the women in the weaving cooperative were taught a specific technique of weaving agave fibers. These women have become the main source of income for their families, and are able to work from home. Our goal is to create enough artisanal demand for their work to sustain the entire village.