Candy’s Maya Gift Shop, a driving force behind community-building in the Toledo District. A discussion with Candelaria Kukul
© Candelaria Kukul and Candy’s Maya Gift Shop
Candy’s Maya Giftshop & Culture Experience is located in Aguacate Village, Toledo District, Belize. It is run by Candelaria Kukul, a Ketchi Maya woman who speaks the language and proudly shares what it means to be Maya with other people through her business.
“I have always done lots of things to keep myself busy. My mother taught me a lot and sometimes pressured me to learn how to live in the Maya world. I was taught when I was at a young age. I didn’t have any choice. So then I learned, and now I’m doing a lot of Maya hand made crafts. I am a Maya person, I speak Ketchi, this is something I am proud of wherever I go.”
© Candelaria Kukul and Candy’s Maya Gift Shop
Hubs of artisanship to foster sustainable community development.
Gift Shops, just like Candy’s Maya Giftshop, can be hubs of artisanship, transmitting traditional techniques and fostering culture and diverse ways of life. They have an essential role in heritage sustainability and in providing economic support to communities and individuals.
“Growing up in my village, everything is different from other places. We don’t buy vegetables, we grow them. This requires hard work, but as long as there is land and the forest, we have the ability to survive. Growing up, I had to learn these skills because you need them in life to survive and pass on your culture. If I had not learnt those, I would have nothing to fall back on at the moment. My products are everyday things from my life, and I am happy to share what it means to be Maya with other people.”
Although Candy’s Maya Giftshop is a family run business, they also do their part to help other families in Aguacate Village. By outsourcing jobs to families who can make similar products and sharing new skills from training sessions, Candelaria is sustainably promoting and safeguarding her community’s heritage.
© Candelaria Kukul and Candy’s Maya Gift Shop
© Candelaria Kukul and Candy’s Maya Gift Shop
Maya products and Maya stories
Ms Calendaria Kukul makes a variety of handmade woven products, such as Cuxtal (Maya bags), Maya clothes, table mats, tablecloths, napkins and woven baskets from natural plants such as Jippy-jappa (Sabal mexicana) and Tie-tie (Desmoncus chinantlensis).
“We make baskets, hair clips from Jippy-jappa as well as Tie-tie baskets, lamp covers and more. We also sew uniforms, pants, shirts, Maya dresses, Po’ot and more. These can be made in any style, size or color.”
Since businesses like Candy’s are built on ancient techniques and knowledge that have lasted centuries, they have the power and resilience to inspire younger generations to embrace and promote their culture.
More shops are becoming focused on showcasing high-quality artisanal products while also providing cultural experiences and stories for Belizeans and visitors alike.
“We also do classes. We want to promote our Maya culture and our products. We offer a variety of Maya Culture Experiences such as chocolate making, Caldo making and cotton spinning.”
There is no doubt that such heritage-inspired businesses can find success. Gift Shops can stimulate community development, benefiting both the individuals and broader institutions necessary for safeguarding heritage and culture. The next time you visit a gift shop, think about the complex and long history behind each of the items around you. Think of what it took for the products to be there, what it means for the people behind it and the impact it makes if you choose to engage.
Contact:
You can contact Candy’s Maya Giftshop on their Facebook page or call at +501 622-9208 (WhatsApp, text, call) and at +501 626-3687 (text or call).
Written by: Ella Békési