Embroiderer © Marilyn Anderson. Woodcut, 8″ x 10″
In some Maya towns, such as Joyabaj, embroidery with a needle and thread is used to decorate traditional textiles. This happens in a number of other places, such as San Mateo Ixtatán, Santiago Atitlán and Sumpango. Especially hand embroiderers of Santiago Atitlán produce many attractive pieces for sale to tourists. Throughout Guatemala, numerous different patterns and motifs may be used. With the introduction of machine embroidery, less of the hand made work is done and men often do it . One result of machine embroidery is that the amount and complexity of decorated surfaces on textiles has increased but not necessarily the charm of the work.