Vintage Antique Mayan Ceremonial Handwoven Textile Huipil Comalapa Guatemala

Description: There are no two huipiles exactly alike.In Guatemala, weaving is an integral part of a Maya woman’s daily life & is an important responsibility that is passed on from generation to generation. Mayans have been weaving for over 2,000 years. Although the textiles have evolved and there have been changes in types of threads, dyes, and designs over the centuries, the basic back strap loom has changed very little. Many types of fabric are handwoven on these looms, and every woman makes her own unique huipil, the traditional blouse still worn in these regions. The design of the huipil expresses cultural identity, role in society, and personal aesthetic. "The huipil is most often constructed of two back strap-woven panels sewn together. Traditional features of Comalapa huipiles include the "creya" (a red weft-faced shoulder stripe), stylized bird and animal motifs, the "rupaj plato", (a stylized diamond shape representing a ceremonial plate), horizontal multi-colored separator stripes and bands of small checkerboard-like figures at the bottom of the brocading. . .The large ceremonial sobrehuipil is worn over another huipil without putting the arms through the tiny decorative armholes. Cofradía members often use the sobrehuipil folded on the head as a sunshade, or turned inside out to protect it from the sun for daily use." (Centro de Textiles Tradicionales Nim Po't, Antigua Guatemala)*1970-80s*This classic huipil was hand woven on a back strap loom in two well matched brown cotton base panels*Cotton huipil with silk & velvet accents*The panels are decorated with horizontal bands of supplementary weft brocade, some of it in silk*Red stripes across the shoulders are a standard feature of traditional Comalapa huipil*Ceremonial Huipil used only a very special occasions like weddings, rituals, religious ceremonies, processions, etc*24" x 34"*Great for a poncho/shirt or decorative as a wall hanging*In excellent, gently used vintage condition

Price: 280 USD

Location: Marietta, Georgia

End Time: 2025-01-28T19:56:36.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD