Empowered by Weaving: Susana’s Story
Meet Susana! She’s a participant at the San Lucas Mission Women’s Center. Check out the interview with Susana below to learn about how weaving and the Women’s Center have impacted her life.
What have you learned in the Women’s Center’s weaving workshops?
My journey in backstrap weaving began six years ago. When I joined the Women’s Center, I only knew the basics. Little by little, I learned to make table runners, scarves, napkins, and coasters, among other woven items. I’ve also developed the skill to create both standard and braided patterns, which are a bit more complex. This process has been enriching because it’s not just about learning techniques—it’s about finding inspiration in my surroundings and in the traditions that shape me.
What inspired you to choose this craft?
As a child, I used to watch my mother weave small patterns, which sparked a great interest in me. However, at home, we didn’t have the resources or knowledge to explore beyond the basics. When I joined the Women’s Center, I discovered that I could learn so much more, like braiding and creating intricate designs. I’m particularly drawn to how colors and shapes tell stories. For example, I love working with the color white because, to me, it symbolizes the sky. This craft allows me to express my creativity while preserving an art form of immense cultural value.
What patterns do you use in your weavings, and what do they symbolize?
The patterns I use carry deep meanings tied to our traditions. Some of the ones I use most frequently include the yax (airplane), the branch, the fishbone, and the comb. These designs are not just decorative but also an integral part of our culture.
What is the process of creating a woven piece?
Creating a woven piece is a detailed process that requires patience and dedication. It starts with winding the thread into a ball to make it easier to handle. Next, the thread is warped, meaning it’s organized and prepared for the loom. After that, it is mounted onto the loom, and the threads are selected according to the desired design. Then comes the work of weaving the patterns, which can take days or even weeks, depending on their complexity.
How has the Women’s Center impacted you?
The Women’s Center has been a great blessing in my life. Here, I didn’t just learn new weaving techniques; I also found a space for support and growth. Thanks to the Center, I am now a weaving instructor—something I never imagined. It has also allowed me to generate income for my family, which I couldn’t do before because I didn’t know how to make large pieces like huipiles.
What impact has weaving had on your life?
Weaving has transformed my life. It has become a source of income that allows me to cover basic needs at home, like buying clothes for my daughters and making small improvements to our house. It has also given me confidence in myself, as I now know I can create beautiful things with my hands and share a bit of our culture through each piece.
What are your plans for the future?
I am currently working on a huipil with more intricate patterns, like butterflies and seahorses. This project represents a new challenge for me, as it combines traditional and modern techniques. In the future, I want to continue learning and exploring new forms of expression through weaving. I would also like to teach more women, especially young ones, so that this art is not lost and remains a part of our cultural identity.
Anything else?
I am deeply grateful to everyone, especially the donors, who have supported the Women’s Center. Your help has been essential for many of us to learn, grow, and move forward. Thanks to your support, we not only have the materials and tools we need but also the opportunity to transform our lives and those of our families. The Center has allowed me to achieve things I never imagined, like becoming a weaving instructor and contributing to my household’s well-being. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
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