About the Artisans

Ceramica Diaz

	Guillermo hand building a bird ornament out of wet clay.

Luis Diaz and his assistant, Guillermo, work in a small workshop next to the Diaz home in San Juan Obispo, an “aldea” of Antigua Guatemala.  They are potters in the typical Antigua style, making all kinds of decorative items, hand-painted and varnished.  Mission: Guatemala first met them through Common Hope, an Antigua non-profit, that was assisting local artisans find markets for their products and teaching business skills. 

Kay had a product idea that would mean modifying a common charm depicting a Guatemalan indigenous woman wearing her traditional dress.  She had been trying for a number of years to get someone who could understand her idea and produce it.  Luis was able to do that and the “Indigenous Angel” you see on the website under ornaments was born! 

Over the time we have been working together, they have improved the quality of their work.  They now are able to sell at higher prices, because of the better quality they produce.  They are still struggling to make ends meet, but Luis and the whole family are working hard to improve their lives.  Education is a strong value for them.  His children help out in the workshop when they have time and on vacations, but school is their first priority.  They understand what they need to do to work for a better future.

ABOUT THE ARTISANS

• Ceramica Diaz
• Ceramicas Palopo
• La Familia Catu-Tzaj
• La Familia Cun
• Santo Tomas Weavers
• The Women of Chumanzana
• Venta Maya

BUY PRODUCTS FROM CERAMICA DIAZ

Hand-built and painted Guatemalan Bus by Ceramica Diaz artisans. A wonderful collectable or makes a great gift!

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