PROVENANCE
This piece was woven on a traditional backstrap loom.    
 
Artist: Unknown
Date Procured: March 27, 2025
Region Purchased: Panajachel, Guatemala
Style: Typical style of Nahuala
Language Group:  Quiche (Central)
Age: Unknown (well worn)
Material: 100% Cotton 
Pieces: This piece is comprised of 3 woven panels that are machine stitched together.  The central panel is the largest.  The inner seams are more fitted than some huipiles, and can be unstitched and adjusted slightly.  If one were to unstitch the outer panels, which have also been fitted, this could be made larger.
 
MOTIFS SEEN IN THIS HUIPIL & OTHER INFORMATION
 
There are a few frayed ends near the waist, where this piece was obviously worn tucked in.  There are also some flaws in the woven texture in areas where the warp pulled apart slightly, likely due to putting it on and taking it off.  There are no holes in this piece, but there is one fray on the left sleeve that could become a hole if not supported.   The bottom could be bound for less wear.  The fabric is very soft and silky feeling, as is typical of the hand-pounded and spun cotton of this region.  
 
The patterns on this piece include the diamond shapes, which are synonymous with the cosmos, universe, four directions and the Maya cardinal cross.  I do now know (yet) what the interlocking shapes mean in the centre of the main panel, but will continue to research this.
 
 
MEASUREMENTS
 
Chest Measurement: 49" (24.5" across)
Height:  22" 
Underarm to Waist:  15.5"


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.