Traditional Guatemalan Worry Dolls - Set of 12

Lopez Garcia Family

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My name is Aura Lopez and my family creates quitapena, or 'worry dolls,' which are traditional in Guatemala and Mexico. According to the legend, the Maya princess Ixmucane received a gift from the sun god, making her able to solve any person’s problem. Later, people began creating dolls with whom they'd share their problems. They've become very popular.

My grandparents said that the way to use them was to take the doll out of the bag or wooden box and tell it your problems and fears. Then, you place the doll under your pillow and, the next day, your problem becomes smaller or can be resolved.

"Nowadays, the worry dolls are very popular and we've been able to make a living creating them. A lot of people in town create these dolls and we've been motivated to improve and carefully create our dolls. We've been able to improve the quality so that our clients receive dolls created with a lot of love.

"Almost all of us who craft worry dolls are women. This allows us to work from home so we can look after our children, check over their homework and make sure they eat well.

"This work has unified us as a family. It has given us group goals to meet and the opportunity to exhibit our work. We feel there are people around the world who value them and this makes us very happy."

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

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