PROVENANCE
This piece was woven on a traditional backstrap loom.    
 
Artist: Unknown
Date Procured: March 23, 2025
Region Purchased: San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas Mexico
Style: Typical style of Magdalena Aldama
Language Group:  Tzotzil
Age: Brand New, Never Worn
Material: 100% Cotton 
Pieces: This piece is comprised of 2 woven panels that are joined by hand
 
MOTIFS SEEN IN THIS HUIPIL & OTHER INFORMATION
 
Magdalena Aldama is best known for their love of recreating ancient huipiles with the diamond shaped cosmos that were carved onto the ceremonial gowns of Maya queens thousands of years ago.  Though this piece is not ceremonial, nor one of the more ornate pieces, the colourful patterns seen here are evocative of the inner structure of said diamonds, whcih represent the universe.  Here we have the central sun with a line that attaches to motifs at the top and bottom.  This represents the direction of the sun, from East (at the top) to West (at the bottom).  The stars also move in this same direction.  To the left and right, we have North (left) and South (right), which are not connected to the sun because though they are significant directions, they were not part of the astronomical importance of the east and west.  This is a gorgeous piece that is woven on a backstrap loom from cotton.
 
MEASUREMENTS
This piece is comprised of two woven panels.  The side seams are sewn together by hand and the arms are generous.  
 
Chest Measurement: 48" (24" across)
Height:  26" 
Underarm to Waist:  19.25"


ALL PIECES ARE SHIPPED AS FOUND
We do not make any adjustments to our pieces, nor do we wash them before shipping.
 
 
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.