Lidia Amanda López de López

Brilliantly Bold Kaqchikel Designs

Featuring vibrant colors and designs so perfect they look like they could have been drawn on, it is clear that Lidia Amanda López de López is a master weaver in every sense of the word. From San Antonio Agua Calientes, Sacatepequez, Guatemala, Lidia began weaving at eight years old under the guidance of her mother, Margarita, who was also a notable weaver. Utilizing the backstrap loom, Lidia can spend up to four months working on one piece alone.

The designs featured on each piece are all inspired by Kaqchikel culture and the flora and fauna of the surrounding area. Within each weaving, you might see geometric designs that represent corn and bean seeds, or perhaps the footprints of animal companions. Heavily embellished floral brocade pieces are traditional in San Antonio Agua Calientes and are used by women to identify where they are from.

While the backloom was once a staple, it is becoming a tradition in peril in places like Sacatepequez, Guatemala. However, Lidia has taught this technique to her grandchildren as a means to preserve their cultural and ancestral inheritance. This commitment to her artistry, coupled with the superb quality of her work, has led Lidia to lead many workshops and participate in art exhibitions as a master weaver in Mexico, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, and the United States.