They are woven for the most part on Back Strap Looms by women. Especially the fabric for blouses, called Huipils and the fabric for skirts which are called Cortes. The fabric is not cut and seamed as in some great couturier house in Paris. The fabric which is woven the width of the weavers hips, is sewn into panels and made into the garment. It is said the Mayan woman weaves to keep order. Each morning she places her head and her children and husband place their heads at the center of fabric which she has made and represents the center of the world.
The colors and designs selected are those particular to the town in which the weaver originates.
the majority of the above huipils are from the Chichiconstanango region, the sun rays from the neckline identify them. |
Will this young girl grow to be the weaver her mother is? Or will she be wearing tee shirts and jeans and not know she was woven into the center of her mothers universe. The level of skill the material is woven among the indigenous people of Guatemala is consistently high but can it withstand the blunt hits of the modern world and the consistent beating of poverty. Will the goddess of weaving, Ixchel, still thrive among these people? Can the women receive fair value for their work? Many fair trade orgainzations are trying to make this possible.
For now, know that if you are a lover of exquisite craftsmanship and bold color Guatemala should be put on your bucket list.