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In the small communities of San Marcos and Santiago, on the shores of Lake Atitlán in the highlands of Guatemala, approximately 60 Maya artisans work together to crochet our handmade fair trade kippot or yarmulkes. The women crochet to generate a steady income for themselves and their families. Each handmade kippah takes approximately 3 hours to create. Artisans are paid a fair wage for each yarmulke. They also receive additional benefits that align with MayaWorks' fair trade principles such as literacy trainings, eye exams and eyeglass donations, skills and leadership trainings, low-interest microloans as well as scholarships for artisans' daughters to attend school. Maya artisans began making crocheted kippot several years ago on the suggestion of a Jewish friend who visited the artisans and saw them crocheting hacky sacks. She said if the women can make hacky sacks they can make yarmulkes! After a few lessons in how to make the kippot rounded and shaped, the women set to work creating this new product. Some months later, MayaWorks realized the artisans were unsure of what they were creating. A discussion ensued that talked about religious customs, both Mayan and Jewish, and explained the use and meaning of the kippot. "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."

Women's Crocheted Flower Kippot

SKU: PK-6FL
$16.00Price
  • Mayan kippot now come in a new design and variety of colors made just for women. The women’s flower kippot feature a flower design at the center with a delicate zigzag design circling each kippah. MayaWorks’ flower kippot are a special touch for a young woman at her Bat Mitzvah. These fair trade kippot are hand-crocheted individually by Mayan artisans in Guatemala. They are available in purple, deep pink, aqua, or bright green. Each kippah is approximately 6” in diameter, but small variations may occur due to the hand made nature of the yarmulke. By purchasing these yarmulkes, you are helping to support the indigenous Mayan artisans who create them, and also contribute to the economic strength of their communities. Artisans’ lives are improved significantly through the sale of kippot, as are the lives of their families. Mayan yarmulkes are 100% cotton. We recommend hand washing in cold water and line drying. These yarmulkes are not available for bulk purchase.
  • We offer discounts to our customers when ordering in bulk quantities:

     

    If you order 14-99 kippot, you receive a 25% discount. 

    Use promo code KIPPOT25 at checkout

     

    If you'd like to purchase a bulk order of 100 or more kippot, contact MayaWorks at info@mayaworks.org for a 50% discount code. 

     

    For more information about bulk ordering, please see our FAQ or contact MayaWorks at info@mayaworks.org for any questions regarding our bulk discounts.

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