Preserving Culture, Creating Income

Through EU funding and SATIIM's support, the indigenous fashion brand Xe'il is helping to lead the way in sustainable fashion in Belize. By producing handcrafted pieces rooted in tradition, the brand is creating new economic opportunities for Maya women.

For Mopan Maya women like Melania Salam, embroidery is more than a skill, it is a legacy, passed down through generations. Originally from Pueblo Viejo and now living in San Antonio Village, Toledo, Melania learned the craft from her mother at the age of nine.

"My mom taught me when I was a little girl," she says. "During the holidays when school was closed, and we didn't have anything to do at home, she taught us to do embroidery."

Through Xe'il, Melania and other skilled embroiderers like her have been keeping the ancient tradition of xok'bil chuuy alive. Rooted in Mopan Maya tradition, the intricate xok'bil chuuy (counted-stitch embroidery) carries deep cultural significance, with each pattern telling a story. Designs by Xe'il incorporate these intricate stitches into totes, shirts and dresses, blending tradition with contemporary design.

Women from San Antonio and neighboring villages have benefitted from EU-funded training sessions that help them refine their skills and produce embroidery that is both beautiful and market-ready

"With the training I recently got, I learned to make my xok'bil chuuy really neat," Melania explained. "I used to do it before and it would have a lot of white spots, but now it comes out fine, just black yarn."

Also from San Antonio, Lamberta Sho has been sewing since she was twelve. Now, 42, the craft has become a steady source of income for her. Working from home, she balances her daily chores with embroidery, dedicating hours each afternoon to her craft. Since joining Xe'il in 2023, she has continued to strengthen her skills through the training provided.

"I feel proud of myself," she says, encouraging others to take part in trainings as well. "I tell people they should push themselves; they should take an interest."

The impact of the EU's partnership with SATIIM in supporting the women artisans engaged inXe'il is far-reaching. Its benefits extend across different experiences, skill levels, and even cultures.

Susana Pop, a young mother, and a Kekchi Maya woman, began her journey into embroidery creating pillowcases and tortilla cloths. Through Xe'il, she was able to learn xok'bil chuuy-a style of embroidery not usually practiced in her community. This has expanded both her skills and opportunities. Motivated by the need to support her family, she now contributes to her household income through her embroidery work.

Like Susana, Incris Marleni also credits Xe'il with refining her skills.

"It's far different from how we used to sew before," She notes. "There's a difference with the scaling and the gridding."

"To me," she adds, "it makes me proud to sell embroidery, so I have my little income. And I feel proud of myself that I could afford things on my own."

Beyond being able to support herself financially, Incris, and all the other women who have been trained through Xe'il are now strengthening their independence and quite literally weaving their own stories into every piece they create.