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This item is available for backorder and will ship within 2 to 8 weeks.Read more
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About
"I really like the color of the sky and the majesty you can see during every star shower," Karina Mercedes Canova says. "That's why I chose neutral colors with a few glimmers of white." She designs a men's wristband of black leather and adds a band of fabric woven on a backstrap loom. The wristband ties closed.
Product details
- 100% cotton, leather
- Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
- 10 grams
- 0.35 oz
- Length: 8.5"
Meet the artist
"These Maya designs date back more than 1,200 years. So when a woman weaves today, she is continuing the path toward her ancestors and confirming the validity of their teachings in her work."
"I'm a fighter, perseverant and willing to overcome any obstacle that keeps me from achieving my objectives. My family fills my life. I have a son born in 2002, a daughter born in 1994 and my first son, born in 1990. They still occupy a great part of my time and my husband's. I enjoy the moments we're together. The difference in their ages lets me experience different stages of life, each one filled with surprises.
"I was born in the capital but I lived for nine years with my parents in the picturesque village of Amatitlán. My mother is Guatemalan and my father of Italian ancestry. My father tells how my grandparents were Italian artisans who crafted very elegant felt hats. When they arrived in Guatemala, they set up a workshop here. My mother worked as a nurse but her art is crocheting. I remember that everything her hands created was a total success – she has exquisite taste for combining colors and even today she brings a very special touch to decorating the home.
"My childhood was lovely – I'd call it a fairy tale. My parents, like all dreamers, had achieved what they called 'The American Dream.' In 1974, when I was nine years old, we moved to Chicago to live. That's when my fantasy world quickly took a 180-degree turn as I realized I had become a very independent adolescent, sure of myself and emotionally strong. I had conquered my fear of not fitting into a world totally different from that of my village.
"I've always felt a passion for fashion and accessories. I remember during my first years at college, I'd spend vacations in Guatemala to create a collection of modern casual clothing based on our beautiful handwoven jaspe fabric. The collection was a success and opened doors to opportunities in the North American market. I worked at it for the entire season, then stopped while I finished my university studies.
"Today I've taken up this art once more, designing and selecting different materials, but always using the beautiful handloomed brocades woven by Maya women to decorate my handbags. Each one of my collections has its own charm, due to the designs and to the meaning of the Maya symbols in the embroidery.
"I'm convinced that we all possess the innate gift of art, but not everyone has the time to discover it. I've spent the past year researching the components of my materials to be sure they are lead free. I've also devoted hours to designs inspired by the most important Maya elements, using the same techniques as the women.
"My handbags are crafted of leather with inserts of handwoven fabric from the huipil blouses worn by Maya women. They feature symbols related to the sun, the moon, the celestial bird, the serpent, the earth, fertility and foliage, authority and duality. This is a reflection of their world view.
"These Maya designs date back more than 1,200 years. So when a woman weaves today, she is continuing the path toward her ancestors and confirming the validity of their teachings in her work.
"As a designer, my main work is to make the world aware of the richness of Maya culture. Guatemala is the cradle of this unique civilization. When you choose my handbags, you are acquiring a piece of history because the Maya weaver combines creativity and tradition in every textile. This is why these handbags are unique. You are also fostering the continued use of the backstrap loom so that this art will be taught to future generations and not be lost."
This item was handmade in Central America by NOVICA artisan borrowers. Kiva lenders have helped these artisans stock up on materials, buy more tools and grow their businesses.
This item qualifies for FREE SHIPPING!
- Only valid on the Normal shipping option for shipments to 48 Lower US states.
- Discounted shipping price may not be applied to previous orders.
This item ships with a free artist storycard, so you can remember who you impacted today. Customized gift messages are also available with every order.

We want you to be 100% satified with your order, so if you are not completely happy with your item, you can return it within 60 days of receiving it.
Return instructions
We pack, ship, certify and 100% guarantee the quality of this item. Watch this video to see how.
This item is available for backorder and will ship within 2 to 4 weeks. Artists love to get backorders. Placing a backorder ensures that the artisan will do their best to create and deliver your item to our local office for shipment.
Although we cannot guarantee availability, we do expect to be able to fill the order within the timeframe indicated. But sometimes life happens - special materials may not be immediately available to the artist, or there might be some other circumstance beyond our control that could delay the shipment.
If for any reason we are unable to ship the item within the timeframe indicated, we will notify you.
This item has a special shipping flat fee which means that due to bulk, duties, or other special requirements, the item will be shipped to you via one of our special one-rate services. Shipping is only available to the United States (lower 48 States only).
Download our printable ring sizing chart to find the perfect fit!
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We refer to these items as "discounted wholesale". Such items carry a deeper wholesale discount than other items, and have greater potential to provide your business with healthier resale margins.
Triple 'Win' Pricing
Kiva Store offers triple win pricing, where YOU the consumer, Children from around the world, and Artisans all benefit.
WIN # 1 You Save!
Handmade goods from developing nations usually pass through a series of intermediaries before being purchased by retail consumers. Each of these intermediaries adds cost to the product, and that cost is passed on to the customer. The U.S. Fund for Kiva partnered with NOVICA, who works directly with artists through their regional offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America, allowing purchases from Kiva Store to go directly from the artisans to fulfilling customer orders. By skipping steps in the traditional supply chain, you can buy high quality items for less than the regular retail prices.
WIN # 2 Children Benefit!
Each item purchased from Kiva Store will benefit Kiva's programmes that provide lifesaving nutrition, medicine, education, clean water, emergency relief and more to children in need.
You can learn more about Kiva's work, on About Kiva.
WIN # 3 Artisans Profit!
Kiva Store artisans set their own prices and control their own businesses. Kiva Store offers artisans a free platform to sell their work throughout the United States.
Turn your gift-giving into an art form with our new premium gift wrapping service!
Delivering a beautiful handmade treasure, wrapped by hand in exquisite packaging will make your gifts truly unforgettable.
Above all, it's EASY! Just select the premium gift wrapping option during checkout and we do the rest. No more last minute worries about presentation - your gifts will be the best dressed every time!
Most premium gift wrap is only $3.95 - $5.95 per item.
Triple 'Win' Pricing
Kiva Store offers triple win pricing, where YOU the consumer, Children from around the world, and Artisans all benefit.
WIN # 1 You Save!
Handmade goods from developing nations usually pass through a series of intermediaries before being purchased by retail consumers. Each of these intermediaries adds cost to the product, and that cost is passed on to the customer. The U.S. Fund for Kiva partnered with NOVICA, who works directly with artists through their regional offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America, allowing purchases from Kiva Store to go directly from the artisans to fulfilling customer orders. By skipping steps in the traditional supply chain, you can buy high quality items for less than the regular retail prices.
WIN # 2 Children Benefit!
Each item purchased from Kiva Store will benefit Kiva's programmes that provide lifesaving nutrition, medicine, education, clean water, emergency relief and more to children in need.
You can learn more about Kiva's work, on About Kiva.
WIN # 3 Artisans Profit!
Kiva Store artisans set their own prices and control their own businesses. Kiva Store offers artisans a free platform to sell their work throughout the United States.