"The Maya women's creative designs and patterns have proved to be a perfect match for the kippot," says Jeannie Balanda, Executive Director of MayaWorks. "The women understand the religious significance of the kippot. They are a respectful culture and put a great deal of thought and care into the design and quality of the product." Sixty Maya artisans from Lake Atitlán, considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, come together to crochet MayaWorks handmade fair trade kippot or yarmulkes. Crocheting MayaWorks handmade kippot provides much needed work for indigenous women who have limited economic opportunities in Guatemala. The women crochet to generate a steady income for their families. Each handmade kippah takes approximately 3 hours to crochet. Women are paid a fair wage for each yarmulke. In addition to steady work, artisans also receive literacy trainings, regular eye exams, leadership trainings, low-interest microloans to start small businesses as well as scholarships for their daughters to attend school. Several years ago on a MayaWorks tour to Guatemala, a Jewish friend saw MayaWorks artisans making hacky sacks. She encouraged the women to learn how to make the kippah knowing that this product had great commercial potential. After several lessons in how to make the kippot rounded and shaped, the women set to work creating our fair trade kippot for the Jewish community. Today our fair trade handmade Mayan kippot is our best selling product.