The Guatemalan Hand Beaded Coin Purses are expertly crafted by 30 Maya artisans in Santiago Atitlán, along the shores of Lake Atitlán. Each coin purse requires expert beading skills and a meticulous eye to perfect the designs. The women of Santiago have a particularly interesting story in that much of the violence that occurred during Guatemala's 36-year civil war affected this community. After the Peace Accords were signed in 1996, Santiago became a popular tourist destination. Resting on beautiful Lake Atitlán, Santiago boasts exquisite weaving, embroidery and beading traditions. They are especially known for the embroidered birds and flowers crafted into their tradition dress called "traje".