Palm Braider © Marilyn Anderson. Linocut, 9 1/16″ x 11 7/8″
Around the town of Santa Cruz del Quiché, women can be seen braiding palm strands in many places and at all times –– even while walking. Such work is done by men and women in other towns as well. The fronds of several varieties of palm tree furnish the raw material for the long rolls of braids they produce. Although palm braiding is a simple activity, hat making could not take place without it! Strips from palm leaves are also used for making other items, such as mats (petates).