The name Joyabaj roughly translates to mean “among the stones.”  The population of Joyabaj is comprised of approximately 76% Maya and it is located 4,300 feet above sea level in the Quiché department and is approximately 304 square kilometers in area. 

Joyabaj shares a similar weaving style with other villages in the El Quiché region—Santa Cruz del Quiché, Zacapulas, San Juan Cotzal, and Aguacatan—that transects linguistic and political boundaries.  This phenomenon was necessary to ensure exchange of specialized goods between different regions.  This was particularly important for the trade of salt, one of the most highly prized and essential commodities during the pre-Colulmbian era.

Joyabaj is located along the trade route between Mexico and Sacapulas, a salt-making center still producing salt today.  The floral patterns see on the Joyabaj huipil, faja and rodillera (the woolen man’s kilt) evidence influence from Mexico, a result of Joyabaj’s position on the trade route.