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Chris Leogrande
Director of Media Relations

(315) 223-2519
(315) 792-3245 (Fax)

 
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UC Welcomes Accomplished Maya Weaver


Ancient Guatemalan Art Form Passed from Mother to Daughter

Written By Katie Prue '10, PR Intern

Alida Perez-Santos practices ancient art, modern advocacy

Contact
cleogrande@utica.edu

Utica, NY (10/28/2009)
- According to Maya legend, the goddess Ixchel invented the art of backstrap weaving. A traditional practice in the Maya culture, this is one way that women have maintained a connection with their culture. This ancient Guatemalan art form, passed down from mother to daughter, is considered a symbol of the life of the Maya woman. 
  
Utica College will present Maya weaver Alida Perez-Santos on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Edith Langley Barrett Fine Art Gallery. The demonstration, hosted by the gallery and the office of student activities, is free and open to the public. 
  
In addition to demonstrating the art of backstrap weaving, Perez-Santos will also offer Maya textiles and bead jewelry for sale. All sales will benefit craftspeople in Guatemala. 
  
A member of the Kakchikel Maya clan from San Antonio Aguas Calientes in Guatemala, Perez-Santos is an advocate for the Maya people. Her accomplishments include the creation of Artisanos Unidos, a program that promotes indigenous crafts and creates a market for them in the global economy. In addition, she founded the Museo Casa del Tajido Antiquo, in Antigua, Guatemala. The museum’s main focus is on the education of weaving practices, techniques, history and various styles employed by Maya artisans. 
  
For more information, visit www.utica.edu/culture.

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