Threads of Time: Tradition and Change in Indigenous American Textiles

Ceremonial Huipíl (Blouse) with Long Brocaded Center Panel

2009_042_028_Hpa_SCR.jpg
2009_042_028_Jpa_SCR.jpg

Title

Ceremonial Huipíl (Blouse) with Long Brocaded Center Panel

Description

This huipíl is exemplary of early 20th century style blouses made in Chichicastenango. The sun pattern is actually sewn on by the weaver’s husband, as the sun is considered the masculine spiritual force. The black fabric circles represent the moon. White buttons in the center of the circles replace metal ones from earlier times; both metal and white evoke the color of the moon and its silvery light. A woman who can wear both sun and moon symbols signals that she is married, has children, and is an accomplished weaver.

Geographic Area

Central America, Guatemala, Chichicastenango

Culture

K’iche’ Maya

Date

Ca. 1910

Materials

Cotton

Credit Line

Bright Collection of Guatemalan Textiles

Accession Number

2009.42.28

Photo Credit

Photo by Michael McKelvey

Exhibition Checklist