100.0% of buyers have recommended this.
Handmade with traditional Guatemalan fabric
Filled with aromatic spices
Fair trade and socially empowering
Perfect for hot dishes and teapots
Supports women artisans' cooperative
Introducing the Small Woven Square Trivet, a unique and functional kitchen accessory that not only protects your surfaces but also adds a touch of cultural charm to your home. This trivet is crafted with traditional, hand-woven Guatemalan fabric and is filled with aromatic spices, including cinnamon and cloves, creating a delightful sensory experience every time you place a hot dish on it.
Each Small Woven Square Trivet is handmade by talented women artisans from the UPAVIM cooperative, located on the outskirts of Guatemala City. UPAVIM, which stands for United for a Better Life, is a remarkable organization that empowers women through social and economic initiatives. With 80 members, this artisan enterprise not only provides training in textile creation but also supports the establishment of essential community services such as a school, pharmacy, and bakery.
This trivet measures 1/2” high x 3-3/4” wide x 3-3/4” deep, making it the perfect size for protecting your countertops and tables from hot dishes, teapots, or carafes. The aromatic spices embedded within the trivet not only serve a practical purpose but also infuse your kitchen with a warm and inviting scent, enhancing your cooking and dining experience.
By purchasing the Small Woven Square Trivet, you are supporting fair trade practices and contributing to the empowerment of women artisans in Guatemala. Many of these women are the sole breadwinners for their families, and UPAVIM provides them with fair wages and a supportive community. The cooperative has been recognized for its achievements, including the best Non-traditional Textile Exporter award by AGEXPRONT in 2002, showcasing the quality and craftsmanship of their products.
The trivet is made from locally sourced, traditionally woven Mayan textiles, which not only preserves the rich cultural heritage of Guatemala but also promotes the work of local weavers. By cutting down the role of middlemen, UPAVIM ensures that fair prices are paid throughout the supply chain, benefiting everyone involved—from the weaver to the seamstress to the customer.
UPAVIM is more than just a cooperative for crafting textiles. It has initiated various small-scale businesses, including a bakery and a soy milk factory, to provide additional employment opportunities for community members. These initiatives aim to improve the overall quality of life in La Esperanza, a community that faces numerous social challenges such as gang violence, illiteracy, and unemployment.
Located in a squatter settlement known as La Esperanza (Hope), the cooperative has made significant strides in improving the living conditions of its members over the past two decades. Despite the challenges faced by the community, UPAVIM has fostered a sense of hope and empowerment, transforming lives through education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
In summary, the Small Woven Square Trivet is not just a kitchen accessory; it is a symbol of empowerment, tradition, and community support. By choosing this product, you are making a conscious decision to support fair trade and uplift the lives of women artisans in Guatemala.