Handmade Dolls

Although there are several small enterprises manufacturing these typical style Nicaraguan dolls, we chose Annabel and Martas due to the quality and detail of their work. These two ladies and their children live in the small mountain town of Masaya,halfway between Managua and Granada,Nicaragua.


Ironically both of their husbands were killed in the civil war which they fought on opposing sides. Neighbors and friends most of their lives, this tragedy has not kept them or their children apart. The women have formed a partnership and make these dolls together in Annabel's home. The sewing machines are manually operated and they work alone, therefore quantities are limited.




Wood Artisans

Learning a trade passed from generation to generation, Freddie Aguilar, has become an exceptional craftsman of wood products. Working on a lathe in his backyard along side his father, Freddie takes pride in creating products which are unique and beautiful. When not at the lathe, he is attending classes at the local university and hopes to acquire his degree in International Finances. Freddie has great hopes for his country in the future and beleives it is the young people like himself who will help change the face of Nicaragua.