The exploitation of Mayan women’s art is a story of racism, sexism – and global capitalism

Mayan weavings in a ceremonial display. Photo: Aisling Walsh.

The fruit seller, the tortilla maker, the domestic worker, the nanny. These are the Marías of Guatemala. Indigenous women, who continue to wear traditional Mayan dress. They are seemingly considered undeserving, of an identity or even a name of their own; valued only to the extent to which they serve others.