Jose Tecum, 48 years old, is a Maya Quiche, who lives in Panajachel, Solola. Jose is married and has six children, four for whom still live with him. He was born in the town of Chichicastenango, El Quiche province. This town is located in the heart of the Mayan highlands and is famous for winding roads that traverse mountains and pine forests. The Maya Quiche ethnic group is the largest in population and third largest in territory. The Quiches number approximately 1,842,115 and are spread out among six provinces scattered in the heart of the central Guatemalan highlands.

Jose’s first job was working as a carpenter’s helper where he learned how to work with wood. He saved enough money to set up his own business when he was 25 years old. Since then, he set up a shop in Panajachel, which he’s had for 15 years now. He sells a wide variety of folk art, including wooden animals, religious figures, carved masks and decorative items. Jose also sells in Chichicastenango during market days. Jose has four permanent employees and informs that his employees are happy when he receives orders. Sometimes he hires up to four more artisans when he has multiple orders.