This beautiful wall hanging is handwoven and embroidered on the backstrap loom. The inside weft and brocading details are made with recycled plastic bags. The warp is natural raw cotton thread dyed with cochineal insects. The bird designs are tradition Mayan brocade designs that are traditionally woven into huipiles (mayan blouses). The birds are a symbol of the Mayan Nahual (day sign) of Tzikin, and are considered messengers between humans and the heavens and spiritual world. Handwoven by cooperatives of Mayan women weavers in rural communities from Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan in the Western Highlands of Guatemala.