Marcela Pablo Mendoza
Backstrap Weaving - tchumj
Marcela Pablo Mendoza is a hardworking and caring woman who has dedicated her life to supporting her family. She was born in a small village in the mountains of Guatemala, where, at the age of seven, her grandmother taught her the basics of textile weaving. Since then, Marcela has devoted herself to developing her skills and craft. Throughout her life, she has woven clothing for her family, including her husband and children. Her love, dedication, and commitment to weaving have inspired the next generation to learn this skill and continue a tradition that has been passed down through her family for generations.
Apprenticeship Program
2026
Backstrap Weaving – tchumj with apprentice Diana Pablo
Diana Pablo will learn from her mother, Marcela Pablo Mendoza, the traditional backstrap weaving of Todos Santos Cuchumatán, Guatemala, a matriarchal practice passed down through generations of women. Marcela will teach Diana how to weave a love-bird motif into a tchumj, or unfinished garment, while strengthening her knowledge of the techniques and cultural traditions used to create clothing for family and community members. Through this apprenticeship, Diana will help carry forward a living weaving tradition tied to identity, family, and women’s cultural knowledge.
