Colibri Textiles

Mayan weaving is some of the most intricate and fabulous—I have long been obsessed with the textiles I’ve purchased through Colibrí. The collective was founded by Vey Smithers, who is an alum of my all-girls’ boarding school. Women supporting women! They have a showroom in Antigua. Here’s the story:

“Colibrí was founded in 1984 to assist several groups of indigenous women widowed during the armed conflict in Guatemala. Weaving at home allowed them to support their children through their craft, while at the same time developing self-confidence and organizing skills.​

Colibrí offers fine quality hand-woven textile products crafted by more than 500 Mayan women in 25 small villages throughout Guatemala.

The products incorporate the ancient art of back strap weaving with contemporary design and function. With skill and creativity the Colibrí weavers preserve their traditional techniques and patterns while creating beautiful home decor items and personal accessories.

Today, the original weavers and happily many of their daughters and granddaughters participate in all aspects of design, product development, production and quality control. Our showroom and workshop in Antigua Guatemala, supported by the hard work of all involved, have enabled the creation of a successful self-sustaining enterprise.”