Guatemalan Worry Dolls (Muñeca Quita Penas)

Description

In this Workshop, you will be creating one of the most traditional crafts we have here in Guatemala, a Worry Doll.

The Worry Doll or "Muñeca Quita Penas" is a small souvenir many people buy when coming to Guatemala.  Worry Dolls are a Guatemalan tradition, which originated with Mayan beliefs that the dolls could take your worries away.  The secret is to put them under your pillow, and by the morning your worries will be gone! 

Artisans of various Mayan communities have taught me how to create these dolls, which are so important in our culture.  The technique involves using your hands and thread, and a minimal amount of glue, to make the base firm. The kit contains authentic Mayan pieces of fabric to decorate your doll.

These dolls are quite common  in Guatemala. When I was five years old, I remember reading the small note that came with them, stating: "put me under your pillow, and I will take all your worries away in the morning".  It is by tradition that almost every kid will have these dolls and know them as a part of our Guatemalan culture and story.