we all have our quirks and collecting Guatemalan slingshots is one of mine
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Man in pink boots.

A quetzal bird.

Travel though the country side and you will probably see men and boys with a slingshot in their back pockets. They use them to bring home the occasional squirrel, bird, monkey, opossum, snake, lizard, and even armadillo are hunted with slingshots. Any animal unfortunate to find itself in range is a likely target.

An armadillo and a fish.

I collect slingshots. I also have a collection of textiles and some saints but recently I've been putting more energy into slingshots.

Mayan weaving is formal. Each village has a particular pattern and creativity is limited. Saints vary less than weaving. Slingshots are made in whatever comes to mind of the maker, usually the man who will hunt with it.

Not to say that slingshots are a superior art form, but the fact that they are made to please no one but the maker himself appeals to me.

Rooster

Snake

Monkey

Quetzal

Machine gun.

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Lake Atitlan Resort Association ~ Tropical Travel Association
Barrio Jucanya - Panajachel, Guatemala 01070 ~ Guatemala tel: ++502 5583 8328
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