<% %> El Quetzal Project for Sustainable Community Development
Cresencia (right), El Quetzal's agent, collaborates with the Presidenta of the women's group in S.A. Palopó.
Resplendent Quetzal

  The resplendent quetzal bird, found in southern Mexico and Central America, is a traditional symbol of liberty in the land of the Maya, as it does not live in captivity.
  Legend claims that the bird, which used to sing brilliantly, has been silent since the Spanish conquest. As the national bird of Guatemala, it is also on the flag and national seal. The country's currency is named after it.
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Grupo de Crochet in Santiago Atitlán
This group of about 25 women of various ages was formed in 2000 by two sisters who live in the city of Santiago Atitlán on Lake Atitlán. Although the group has no legal identity as yet with the Guatemalan government, it is well organized with a gorgeous line of crocheted hats and coinpurses. It was created to provide a living wage to the Tzutzuhil Mayan women in this city, hard hit by the violence suffered in the 36-year civil war in Guatemala.

The excellent quality of the crocheted hats for adults and girls is assured by Barbara and Concepción Sosof Mecía, who review each product upon reception. The group’s goals for 2005 are to seek a steady market for their products and to expand their product line to include more than hats and coinpurses. Although the group has not been able to afford the wholesale purchase of yarn for crocheting in the past, the women will purchase yarn in bulk for El Quetzal’s order using the 50% anticipo we pay. El Quetzal’s 2005 purchases represent this group’s first international clients. During the first visit to this group on January 4, 2005 about 12 members showed up to meet El Quetzal’s representative and participate in a photo session (above).

In August of 2005 the women had added to their product line a crocheted hat with a textured band for toddlers and children, as well as small and large coinpurses in exciting new Mayan designs. They are working on the first sample of a stylish crocheted handbag we would like to introduce at Folklife.