Threads of Time: Tradition and Change in Indigenous American Textiles
Cape for a Male Saint Effigy
Title
Cape for a Male Saint Effigy
Description
Unlike jackets, which were introduced by the Spanish, capes date back to representations of ancient Maya rulers. Light red with brocaded animals, this would have been worn by a santo over his camisa. The upper register features birds, while the animals on the lower register appear to be supernatural in nature. Bird motifs are found across highland Maya clothing, placed on garments of every kind for either gender. The birds on the red cape most closely resemble, eagles, falcons, or hawks, all of which served as nawales, or shamanic animal spirits.
Geographic Area
Central America, Guatemala, San Pedro Sacatepéquez
Culture
Kakchikel Maya
Date
Ca. 1890
Materials
Cotton
Credit Line
Bright Collection of Guatemalan Textiles
Accession Number
2009.42.190
Photo Credit
Photo by Michael McKelvey, 2017