Mayan gift ideas for Christmas

If you’ve been following News 5’s series on Christmas shopping, by now you should be aware that there is no shortage of great gifts made right here in Belize. In her latest instalment Ann-Marie Williams looks at what the Mayas have to offer.

Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting

Whether it’s baskets, clothing, food, carvings or jewelry, the Toledo Craft and Pottery Women’s Group has it all on display and for sale. Donatila Chun, a Maya Mopan woman from San Antonio Village in the Toledo District, is co-ordinating the two-day exhibition.

Donatila Chun, Exhibit Co-ordinator

“Presently we have Mayan baskets made of plants, and it’s part of our food as well, we eat it, so it’s a very valuable plant to the Maya people. Not only the women, the men as well.”

Chun says all the items make excellent gifts for the holidays because when you give let’s say a blouse, you’re giving a piece of Belize’s Maya culture.

Donatila Chun

“It is one hundred percent handmade embroidery. And all these have meanings pertain to the environment. We look at the environment as part of our life and therefore we present them in our clothing. The skirts are plain with lace and reaches to your ankles. The children clothing is only a long dress with embroidery again. While with the men clothing, it’s plain without embroidery.”

While women’s blouses use the traditional turkey, dog snake and fish pattern around the neck and sleeve.

Donatila Chun

“Toledo was battered by Hurricane Iris, so there is nothing else that the people can begin to help themselves. So we had a meeting and that’s the way that we could come out and sell out products through to the people that live in the city. I hope that they will look at it as an item good for purchasing for Christmas gifts.”

Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.

The Toledo Craft and Pottery Women’s Group will continue their display tomorrow at the House of Culture in Belize City.