Shoulderbag (Morral) Maker © Marilyn Anderson. Woodcut, 9 1/16″ x 11 7/8″
In Guatemala, there is an astonishing number of different styles, materials, and sizes of shoulder bags. Designs can be simple or complex geometric patterns or they may depict animals and birds. Construction techniques include looping, netting, weaving. knitting or crochet –– as seen here. Men make most shoulder bags, whether of cotton, maguey or wool. Carrying a traditional shoulder bag in Guatemala makes a political statement, as many men and women now use nylon backpacks.