PROVENANCE
This piece was woven on a traditional backstrap loom.    
 
Artist: Unknown
Date Procured: March 28, 2025
Region Purchased: San Juan Laguna, Guatemala
Style: Typical style of San Juan Laguna, Guatemala
Language Group:  Tzutujil (Western) 
Age: Brand New, Never Worn
Material: 100% Cotton 
Pieces: This piece is comprised of 2 woven panels that are joined by machine.  
 
MOTIFS SEEN IN THIS HUIPIL & OTHER INFORMATION
 
This piece is an exquisite example of the traditional weaving of the Maya in Chiapas.  If you look carefully at Lady Xook's ceremonial huipil (the last image above), you will see the diamond shaped patterns on her cloak.  The diamond itself represents the universe, with the centred diamond symbolizing the sun.  You will notice a line that connects the centre (sun) diamond to one diamond in the top corner, and another in the bottom corner.  While many of us would assume these are directions for north and south, in correlation with our own compas, the Maya compas elevates the East to the top position, largely due to the fact that the sun rises in the east, as do the stars move from east to west.  The line that connects these diamonds to the sun represent the movement observed from earth.  Also interesting is that the centred sun represents noon.  This means this ceremonial huipil represents the day sky.  

If you carefully study this garment, you will notice zigzap shapes.  These can represent mountains, but in this case, are serpents.  The triangular shapes that outline the serpent represent plumes, meaning this is the plumed serpent, Kukulkan.  Along the bottom of the huipil are frog motifs - meaning this robe belongs to a woman.  Frogs are considered female, while toads are masculine. The tiny diamond shapes seen throughout the piece represent stars, as the lines that connect everything symbolize the connection of our earthly world with the cosmos of the otherworld - this piece is a real treasure to behold.
 
 
MEASUREMENTS
This piece is comprised of three woven panels, with the centre being the widest.  The side seams are sewn together, and the arms are generous.  This piece is considered a ceremonial huipil due to it's long length.  It is also an interpretaion of the huipil that was worn by Lady Xook, who was the Queen Consort of the ancient Maya city of Yaxchilan.
 
Chest Measurement: 31" Across (62" Circumfrance when sewn together)
Height:  36.5" 


ALL PIECES ARE SHIPPED AS FOUND
 
Restoring art pieces can harm the value if the piece is altered in the process. Many huipiles of today are altered and repaired to extend its life, and many others are cut into patches and sewn into new garments, table runners, quilts, purses and so on. As we are not conservators nor tailors, we sell our pieces exactly as we found them. If you would like to alter your piece, at least you are receiving it in the condition it was found and sold.
 
 
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR HUIPIL 

Always turn your huipil inside-out before drying it, and never hang it in direct sunlight. Many weavers store their huipiles inside out to preserve the designs.

Hand wash in room temperature water. Some dyes can release colour, so never wash in warm water. If you do see any bleeding, add a handful of salt to the water for the final rinse, as this will set the colours (you will need to do this each time you wash it). 
 
If you decide to use a fabric softener, please read the instructions on the bottle carefully. You shouldn't use fabric softeners with silk or wool, and when hand-washing, you need to add it directly to the soapy solution. Rinsing well is crucial becuase fabric softeners have chemicals in them.

After handwashing and soaking your garment, rinse and carefully squeeze the water out without wringing it, as you don't want to damage the threads. Remember to turn it inside-out for drying. I recommend using a clothing rack so you can lay the huipil out flat, or place it on a clean towel. Never dry your article in the direct sun. Check your piece every couple of hours to flip it over until it is fully dry. These huipiles are heavy, so can take longer to dry than regular clothing.
 
HUIPILES ARE CONSTANTLY CHANGING
 
One of the reasons huipiles are collectible is due to their constant evolution. The huiples that were woven 50 years ago were simpler with larger patterns, less complexity and fewer colours. Synthetic colours aren't the only commodity behind additional colour selection - dye artists also expanded their pallettes using natural plants and vegetables through trial and error based on happenstance observations. For example, we all know beets stain as do carrots - and these two vegetables are now used by dye artists. The evolution continues as younger artisans strive for finer workmanship and complexity. If you are interested in the evolution of textiles, we highly recommend visiting Centro de Textiles del Mundo Maya in San Cristobal de las Casas, as their extensive collection includes huipiles from different decades for careful study. 
 
WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR WOVEN TREASURE AND WILL PASS IT DOWN THROUGH THE ART LOVERS IN YOUR FAMILY.