Mode
Jade jewelry. It is the emblematic precious stone of the country. There are two types: nephrite and jadeite. The latter, the rarest, is only found in Myanmar and Guatemala. Moreover, if jade is today a flagship product of the jewellery industry, it was already worked by the Mayas, in particular in the making of superb death masks, on the occasion of the funerals of the kings of the great cities of Petén. Information that one finds in the small museums - well done - which are equipped with certain shops of Antigua, following the example of the Casa del Jade and of Jades Imperio Maya. You can also learn more about the production methods.
Silver jewelry. Silver work is also the result of a long tradition of craftsmanship in Guatemala. It is particularly visible in the workshops of Cobán, in the Alta Verapaz, as well as in Antigua.
Textiles. Fabrics, table runners, blankets, pillowcases, hammocks... Guatemala produces superb traditional fabrics, rich in colours and patterns of all kinds. They are sold in the cooperatives and on the stalls of the artisanal markets throughout the country, but also in the shops - a little more expensive - of the big cities.
Clothing, bags and shoes. Signs of ethnic and regional recognition through designs that vary from village to village, the traditional clothing still worn by communities is an essential part of Guatemalan culture. In tourist markets, for example, you can see huipils - chasubles with embroidery - and cortés, long skirts with a waist. If you're looking for a more "sober" piece that you're sure to wear back home, there are plenty of variations in the form of t-shirts, dresses, shoes and bags, and purses.
Leather boots. This is the specialty of the village of Pastores, 8 km from Antigua. Stamped with the words "donde el cuero es arte" - "where leather is art" - its entrance is marked by a large cowboy boot. In addition to shoes, a succession of shops sell handmade products, from belts to bags.
Decoration
Muñecas quitapenas. Tiny dolls that fit in the palm of the hand, they are said to have the property of removing worries, as soon as one is placed under the pillow before falling asleep. According to Mayan belief, one is needed for each day of the week, except for Sunday - a day of rest for them too. Woven from traditional Guatemalan textiles, muñecas quitapenas are sold mainly in artisanal markets, such as the one in Antigua and San Juan Comalapa, in Chimaltenango.
Masks. The result of Mayan ancestral heritage and Spanish influence, woodworking is well mastered in Guatemala, especially in Totonicapán. Its fame is mainly due to the superb masks that cover the faces of the dancers during the traditional celebrations. They represent - among others - several of the great figures of the fauna of the country, like the jaguar or the toucan, as well as caricatures of the conquistadors.
Wooden pieces. In the Petén, near the village of El Remate, many craftsmen carve the woods of the jungle, making small pieces in beautiful species. You can find beautiful cooking utensils, as well as chests decorated with floral and zoomorphic motifs, and statues of saints, angels and warriors.
Pottery. The Maya had developed this art to a high level of technicality. Characteristic of Totonicapán, the pottery intended for domestic use is rich in colors and patterns inspired by the surrounding landscapes and natural environment. In Antigua, for example, small pottery of birds and butterflies are more common. Religious themes are also a source of inspiration, hence the existence of statuettes of angels and key characters of Catholicism. Finally, the zoomorphic clay whistles are characteristic of the villages of the Altiplano. Moreover, the art of ceramics is perfectly mastered in San Antonio Palopó, on the banks of the lake Atitlán.
Delicacies
Coffee. It is one of the strongest symbols of Guatemalan identity. Recognized worldwide, its quality is due to the geography of the country and its variety of microclimates. Thus, it is in the Altiplano that we find an important quantity of fincas - plantations - of coffee. Not only is it possible to visit them to learn more about the production process, but, above all, it is an opportunity to encourage local and sustainable agriculture by leaving with a bag of coffee. In the cities, several coffee shops have their own finca and sell the fruit of their work - like La Rosana Coffee Shop, in Antigua - or that of nearby farmers - like Cafe Loco, in Panajachel. If you like the coffee they serve, you can buy a bag directly from their establishment - and ask for a tour of their plantation in the process.
Cacao. Considered a precious product by the Mayan civilization, this plant was used as a trade item. It was abundant in Guatemala since, in its natural state, it grows on a small tree that needs heat and humidity. Over time, it was discovered that cocoa could be used as a base for other products, such as chocolate. Today, you can buy beans at the market, as well as locally made bars, such as at the fine chocolate factory Maya Cacao Chocolates in Antigua.
Rum. Guatemala is a major producer of rum: it is the originator of Zacapa, voted best rum in the world at the International Rum Festival several times. Created in 1976 to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the founding of the eponymous city - located about 150 kilometres east of Guatemala City - it is made from sugar cane and then fermented with a yeast strain derived from pineapple, rich in aromas. A delight, easily found in liquor stores.
Quetzalteca. Less expensive than Zacapa, this is an aguardiente, or brandy. It comes in different flavors, such as tamarind and hibiscus.
