Traditional crafts are mainly village crafts, done in the home or in small workshops.
Often family members, including children, help or watch. Indeed, this is how crafts are transmitted from one generation to the next. Much of what is made is for the use of the makers or for sale in nearby markets. The original and continuing purpose of Maya arts and crafts is to provide clothing, containers and other items necessary to daily life as well as for ceremonial and religious purposes. Many Maya craft techniques, such as backstrap-loom weaving, are ancient.