Ceremonial Huipíl (Blouse) with Long Brocaded Center Panel

This huipíl is exemplary of early 20^th 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.

Central America, Guatemala, Chichicastenango

K’iche’ Maya

Ca. 1910

Cotton

Bright Collection of Guatemalan Textiles

2009.42.28

Photo by Michael McKelvey