A traditional Guatemalan handicraft has been scaled to fit your wrist! This leather snap bracelet features a single colorful strip that showcases the beauty of Guatemalan weaving. Bracelets are a total of 8 inches long and feature two snap settings for an adjustable size. Band is about 1 inch wide. Made by fair trade artisans in rural Guatemala.
- Woven leather snap bracelet
- Cotton and leather
- Bracelet is 8 x 1 inches
- Two snap settings for adjustable length
- Fair trade, made in Guatemala
design: A chevron-patterned band of hand-woven cotton in coral, navy and black runs down the center of a wide suede-backed leather cuff, fastened with two brass snaps for adjustable sizing.
size: Bracelet measures 8 x 1 inches; band width is approximately 1 inch.
material: Cotton (woven band) and leather (cuff and backing)
features: Two snap settings for adjustable fit, chevron-woven cotton inlay, brass snap hardware, suede-lined leather cuff
care: Wipe the leather clean with a soft, dry cloth and keep the bracelet away from water and prolonged sun exposure to preserve the color of the woven cotton.
disclaimer: Because the cotton band is woven and the cuff is cut and finished by hand, small variations in pattern placement, color, and leather grain are normal and make each bracelet one of a kind.
The Story
Guatemala has one of the most continuous textile traditions in the Americas, rooted in Maya weaving practices that stretch back centuries. Narrow woven bands like the one on this bracelet are a miniature expression of that same skill set: warp-faced weaving that builds geometric patterns, like the zigzag chevron seen here, through the disciplined repetition of colored threads rather than printing or embroidery.
The chevron is one of the most common motifs in Guatemalan woven textiles, appearing in everything from huipiles to sashes to the narrow bands used for belts and ties. Its diagonal, mirrored lines are achieved by alternating thread colors at set intervals as the weaving progresses, a technique that takes practice to execute cleanly at this small scale.
Here, that woven band has been scaled down and set into a leather cuff, a format designed for everyday wear rather than ceremonial or garment use. It's a practical adaptation that keeps the handwork of the textile visible while giving it the durability of a leather-backed accessory.
The woven cotton band is produced by hand, with the weaver setting up colored threads and building the chevron pattern row by row as the piece takes shape on a loom. Once the band is complete, it's cut to length and set into a pre-cut leather cuff, which is folded, stitched, and fitted with brass snap hardware so the bracelet can be sized to the wearer's wrist. Each step, from the weaving to the leatherwork, is done by fair trade artisans working in rural Guatemala.
Craft & Materials
- Made In: Guatemala
- Craft Tradition: Guatemalan cotton weaving
- Ideal For: Anyone who wants an everyday bracelet with genuine handwoven detail and an adjustable fit
- Wear It With: Stack it with plain leather cuffs or thin metal bangles for a layered wrist look
- Purpose: Everyday wear, layering with other bracelets, casual and boho-leaning outfits, gifting
- Metal: Brass (snap hardware)
Questions & Answers
How do I adjust the size of this bracelet?
The cuff has two brass snap settings, so you can choose between two lengths to get a comfortable, adjustable fit.
What is the woven band made of?
The colorful center band is hand-woven cotton, set into a cuff made of leather with a suede-finished interior.
Will the colors or pattern be exactly like the photo?
The band is woven by hand, so color placement and pattern spacing vary slightly from piece to piece. These small differences are part of the handmade character of the bracelet, not a flaw.
Is this bracelet true to a specific regional design?
It draws on Guatemala's long-standing tradition of narrow-band cotton weaving, where geometric motifs like the chevron shown here are woven directly into the cloth using colored thread.
How should I care for the leather and woven band?
Keep it dry and out of direct sun for extended periods, and wipe the leather with a soft cloth as needed. Avoid soaking it or scrubbing the woven section.
