Beaded Art by Jose Reanda from
Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala
Gecko Pin -
Green View
Large image 1 and
2
Size 5" L x
3.5" W
We are very pleased to be able to offer a
limited collection of exquisite beaded pins and other artwork made
by one of the most renowned Mayan artisans from the Mayan village
of Santiago Atitlán, Jose Reanda.
Santiago Atitlán is a town is situated on Lago de
Atitlán, at an elevation of 5,105 feet (1,556 m). The town sits on
a bay of Lago Atitlan between two volcanoes, Volcano San Pedro
rises to 9,337 ft (2,846 m) west of town and Volcano Toliman rises
to 10,315 ft (3,144 m) southeast of town. In pre-Columbian times
its name was Chuitinamitand it was the capital of the Tz’utujil
people, whose indigenous residents make up most of today’s
population.
Guatemalans are well known for their exquisite textile
weaving, yet it wasn't until just 30 years ago that an American
woman brought a bead loom to the small village of Santiago de
Atitlan and introduced the art of weaving hand-beaded jewelry. The
local artisans soon learned to apply their weaving skills and
extraordinary sense of color to this new type of artistry. Today,
beading has revolutionized the lives of many people in this area
and is now an important artisan industry in Santiago
Atitlán.
Santiago Atitlán was the site of considerable
state-sponsored violence during the country's civil war which ran
from 1960 until 1996. 40,000 to 50,000 people disappeared during
the war and approximately 200,000 were killed throughout the
country. These were very difficult times for the indigenous peoples
of Guatemala and particularly those living around Lake Atitlán. It
was into this environment that Jose Reanda was born during the
1960’s.
His family has a long history as highly skilled
artists. Jose’s mother was so well known and respected that her
likeness is on the 25 Centavo coins in Guatemala
today.
Jose began learning to weave, under his mother’s
tutelage, when he was 13 years old. In his late teens he began
weaving with beads and later became a founding “beader” in
Santiago. He taught the art to others and is considered one of the
driving forces behind this growing cottage industry. Skilled
beaders are able to earn about 3 times more than they would by
doing day labor work in neighboring and the effects on family
health, education and so much more has been huge.
Jose’s work is unique and represents some of the
finest bead work anywhere in the world. Each piece can take from
one day to one week to create and no two are
identical.
We offer a limited selection of his pins and several
other pieces for your consideration. We will be offering other
pieces as they become available to us. Everyone who has seen these
unique pieces in person is completely blown away with their vibrant
colors and beauty. We know you will love yours – they always
generate many comments!
For more pictures admin@mayanmajix.com
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