Embroidery Shawl - Arbol De La Vida (Tree of Life) A

This shawl is such a wonderful representation of what Chamula is all about. When our Director, Yuki Matsuda traveled all throughout Mexico he recognized how personal and uniquely beautiful the artisanal products of the local craftsmen and women are.

He also saw how these craftsmen and women were a dying breed, with manufacturing methods becoming automated and factory life replacing rural life. Chamula works directly with these artisans to preserve their craft (and lifestyle) so that you may experience their amazing handiwork. Factory made goods don’t have the character or spirit of handcrafted goods.

Which is why this Shawl is so amazing. Powerful “tree of life” imagery and artisanal craftsmanship makes this shawl real, wearable art.

We worked with a family in rural Mexico to make this shawl. This black shawl is first handwoven on small looms, the yarns are a cotton-acrylic blend 50/50 and are very soft. The colorful “tree of life” design, which includes all kinds of Native flowers, butterflies, berries, and animal imageries are all hand embroidered. Each blanket is totally unique and one-of-a-kind.

The ends of the blanket are left loose and long. They are gathered and handwoven into fringed tassels, when worn over the shoulders the tassels drape nicely and move beautifully with the silhouette.