PROVENANCE
This piece was woven on a traditional backstrap loom.  We cannot guarantee the cotton threads were dyed using natural materials, as the weavers in Santa Maria Nebaj purchase their loom supplies.
 
Artist:  Unknown
Date Procured:  April 1, 2025
Region:  Santa Maria Nebaj, Guatemala
Style:  Typical style of Santa Maria Nebaj, Guatemala
Language Group:  Ixil Maya
Age:  Approximately 5 Years Old
Material:  100% Cotton 
Composition:  Balanced Weave (Warp and Weft are the same)
EPI (Ends Per Inch for the Warp):  17
PPI (Picks Per Inch for the Weft):  17
Pieces:  Two woven panels that are joined in the centre.  The side seams are closed on this piece, so it is ready to be worn after a few adjustments to the arm holes. 
 
MOTIFS SEEN IN THIS HUIPIL & OTHER INFORMATION
 
Huipils from Santa Maria Nebaj are considered the most tribal of the Maya world.  There was a time when these garments were dangerous to wear, as Santa Maria Nebaj was at the centre of the guerilla warfare that lasted for 30 years and resulted in an unfathomable amount of violence that rendered the village a place of many widows.  Today, these pieces have been reclaimed by the local townspeople and are worn with pride.  
 
There are countless patterns on this piece, including horses, diamonds, X patterns, people and more. The hourglass design is a cup, which represents wealth in the context of good health, longevity and general prosperity.  The diamond shapes can represent a number of things, including the four corners of the universe, the Maya cross, a plate of tamales and stars that embody the cosmos.  Birds with baby birds represent family.  There are lots of horses on this huipil, which is a traditional feature of the weaving from Santa Maria Nebaj.  Look for birds with tails - these are Quetzals, which is the national bird of Guatemala, and also the most important bird of the ancient Maya civilization.  The neckline of this garment represents the sun, with the scallop patterns for the rays.
 
MEASUREMENTS
We do not measure from the underarm to waist, as most will need to adjust the arm holes if you intend on wearing these garments, rather than hanging then on the wall.  
 
Chest Measurement: 57" Circumfrance (28" from side to side)
Total Height: 26"

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.

This piece is in excellent condition.  The hem is even all the way around, though one could add a seam binder.  Many artists of this region use velvet to bind seams, arm holes and necklines, so this is a consideration. The only issue most will have with this huipil, is that the arm holes are very tight.  That said, the sides of this garment are easy to unstitch for sizing - in fact, most vintage huipiles are sold unstitched, so their size can be easily assessed for tailoring.
 
 
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.