Woodworkers of Jesus

hand-painted pinewood carvings

"We are from the warm and beautiful country of El Salvador. Surrounded by mountains, it is a privile... read more

Microcredit Financing Woodworkers of Jesus has received 4 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $200 and the most recent for $500. Enabling Education This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level. Job Creator This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people. Preserving Traditions This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive. Profound Impact Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income. Confronting Adversity This artist is currently confronting a major life challenge. Working with Disabilities This artist is working with some sort of disability ranging from mental or physical and includes conditions such as being handicapped physically, or perhaps having a condition such as autism. This is also awarded to artists that employ other artists with disabilities. Covering Basic Needs This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

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Central America Fulfillment Hub

Woodworkers of Jesus hand-painted pinewood carvings

"We are from the warm and beautiful country of El Salvador. Surrounded by mountains, it is a privileged place in the shadow of the Cerro Miramundo with the coolness of the Cerro el Pital. Tourists interested in handicrafts visit our area in the Department of Chalatenango.

"Our group, named 'Grupo Artesanal Madero de Jesús' in Spanish, was founded by my mother, Señora Aminta de Mancía," her son Edgar says. "She was a loving homemaker and my father worked in construction. She was one of the first to begin creating naïf-style handicrafts of wood, and her motifs depicted everyday life in the countryside. During the 1970s and early '80s, she worked with the renowned painter Fernando Llort, who was the first to create these designs. My mother learned from him and, through practice, perfected her technique over time.

"In 1998, she founded our artisan group. We create our designs with the techniques she had learned. Our first years were quite difficult, due to the complicated political and economic situation caused by the civil war. Many times we worked with the threat of battles between the army and the guerrillas. But this did not stop my mother from motivating us to move ahead with our handicrafts, as it was the only economic opportunity available to support artisan families.

"Over the years, our group grew. We've been able to provide work to people of limited resources, and we work together like a family, supporting one another. Today, my brothers and I assist our mother in all her activities, and each of has become an expert in some part of the production process.

"Our designs are created with great care and delicacy. Before they are finished, they pass through the hands of designers, carpenters, painters, varnishers and packers. For the most part, these people combine their craft work with their domestic chores. This lets them take care of their families while earning an income, which permits a better quality of life for the family and community.

"Thank you for the opportunity to show our talent and art to the world. In each piece you can perceive the heart of our people and our culture."

Woodworkers Of Jesus El Salvador

"Our group, named 'Grupo Artesanal Madero de Jesús' in Spanish, was founded by my mother, Señora Aminta de Mancía," her son Edgar says. "She was a loving homemaker and my father worked in construction. She was one of the first to begin creating naïf-style handicrafts of wood, and her motifs depicted everyday life in the countryside. During the 1970s and early '80s, she worked with the renowned painter Fernando Llort, who was the first to create these designs. My mother learned from him and, through practice, perfected her technique over time.

"In 1998, she founded our artisan group. We create our designs with the techniques she had learned. Our first years were quite difficult, due to the complicated political and economic situation caused by the civil war. Many times we worked with the threat of battles between the army and the guerrillas. But this did not stop my mother from motivating us to move ahead with our handicrafts, as it was the only economic opportunity available to support artisan families.

"Over the years, our group grew. We've been able to provide work to people of limited resources, and we work together like a family, supporting one another. Today, my brothers and I assist our mother in all her activities, and each of has become an expert in some part of the production process.

"Our designs are created with great care and delicacy. Before they are finished, they pass through the hands of designers, carpenters, painters, varnishers and packers. For the most part, these people combine their craft work with their domestic chores. This lets them take care of their families while earning an income, which permits a better quality of life for the family and community.

"Thank you for the opportunity to show our talent and art to the world. In each piece you can perceive the heart of our people and our culture."

Central America Fulfillment Hub

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Woodworkers of Jesus has received 4 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $200 and the most recent for $500.

Maker BadgeEnabling Education

This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.

Maker BadgeJob Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker BadgeConfronting Adversity

This artist is currently confronting a major life challenge.

Maker BadgeWorking with Disabilities

This artist is working with some sort of disability ranging from mental or physical and includes conditions such as being handicapped physically, or perhaps having a condition such as autism. This is also awarded to artists that employ other artists with disabilities.

Maker BadgeCovering Basic Needs

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

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