PROVENANCE
This piece was woven on a traditional backstrap loom. The cotton threads were hand spun and dyed with plants, insects and vegetables.  
 
Artist: Micaela Vasquez
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 huipil represents the Maya Calendar system, and is the most traditonal blouse of San Juan la Laguna.  The yellow colour is a new addition among the artisans here, who learned the Chipilin plant offered them this colour.  The threads are soaked in the dye for 4 days per 15 skeens of cotton.  The other threads that are embroidered into the designs around the collar were also soaked in potato starch for 2 days to offer this irridiscent quality.  The dyes are sealed using the stalk of a banana plant, so the dyes should not bleed - but please watch for it when you handwash this piece and follow the instructions below.  The blue stripe signifiies Lake Atitlan, where San Juan is located.  Around the neckline, the pattern represents the sun, but is formed in a series of 7 rows, which signify the days of the week.  The panel on the front and back is comprised of 24 squares, which signify the alignment of celestial bodies and cycles.  
 
 
MEASUREMENTS
This piece is not sewn together, so can be tailored for your size.  
 
Chest Measurement: 25.5" Across (51" Circumfrance when sewn together)
Total Length:  48" (24" height)


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.