Threads of Tradition: Unveiling the Artistry and Culture of Mayan Textiles with Routes Interiors
At Routes Interiors, they weave more than textiles; they weave stories, culture, and generations of wisdom into every piece. The journey began with a profound intention: to reconnect with the origins of textile creation and honour the rich heritage of Mayan weavers.
The name "Routes" signifies their commitment to exploring the origins of textiles, drawing inspiration from deep cultural roots and natural fibres that Indigenous communities have worked with for centuries.
Angharad, the founder, began her journey travelling through Central America and falling in love with Mayan textiles. Their craftsmanship, luxurious quality, and cultural significance captivated her. After years in the fashion industry, she felt a deep disconnect from mass-produced Western textiles and longed to return to the authenticity she had witnessed in Mexico.
In 2022, Angharad travelled to the Chiapas region of Mexico, known for its unique colours and patterns. With limited Spanish and a heart full of hope, she sought to connect directly with the weavers. Through extensive research and the help of a taxi driver willing to venture into remote villages, she made her first connection with a weaver who remains vital to Routes Interiors today. Despite communication challenges, their artisan network has grown through word of mouth, each weaver bringing their own distinct style and skill.
Routes’ handwoven homeware and fabric range are deeply intertwined with the cultural and social life of the indigenous Maya people. Their textiles are made on the 6,000-year-old backstrap loom, a portable loom anchored around the weaver's waist. Although this is a slow weaving process, each design is adorned with intricate patterns and symbols that hold profound spiritual significance, reflecting Maya cosmology and societal status. Common motifs include plants, animals, and insects native to the region, abstractly depicting mountains, rivers, and forests.
The spiritual meanings in these textiles are paramount to the Maya people, reflecting their deep connection to the natural world. This biodiversity inspires Maya weaving, which in turn inspires Routes Interiors. Angharad understood that sustainability wasn’t just a word; it was deeply embedded in Mayan culture, driving their harmony with the world.
Since its 2022 launch, Routes Interiors has collaborated with the United Nations to empower artisans through education, technology, and sustainable business models. Handmade products sustain skills, empower economies, and honour the human touch in a mechanised world.
Their collection includes holistic home textiles like cushions, throws, and tableware. They will be debuting fabrics by the metre and plant-dyed rugs from the Mexican state of Oaxaca at FOCUS in The Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, this September, each piece reflecting skill and culture unique to each region.
"Working in Mexico is a profound experience where I witness artistry unfold before my eyes—vibrant colours, deep spiritual meanings, and intricate stories woven into every textile. Here, textiles transcend mere fabric; they become art, expressions of culture, and connections to the rich tapestry of human stories," says Angharad.
Text by Angharad Allsop, founder of Routes Interiors
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www.routesinteriors.com