About this artwork
Women weave traditional Maya blouses such as this one on a backstrap loom, a skill taught by the goddess of the moon and childbirth. Because this method is thought to imbue the cloth with a life force, Maya weavings are never cut but rather woven to shape. Made from shades of natural (undyed) cotton, this shirt’s embellishments communicate the wearer’s identity and status within her community and place her at the center of the K’iche’ sacred landscape. The radiating embroidery around the neckline—a marker of huipils made in Chichicastenango—represents the sun, and the appliquéd black silk rounds with attached silver coins on the shoulder refer to the moon.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Textiles
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Culture
- Maya
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Title
- Married Woman's Pot or Huipil (Blouse)
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Place
- Guatemala (Object made in)
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Date
- Made 1900–1950
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Medium
- Cotton and silk, plain weave with patterning and brocading wefts; joined with cotton in cretan and cross stitches; appliquéd with cellulose acetate, plain weave; embroidered with silk in chain stitches; metal buttons
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Dimensions
- 72.1 × 87 cm (28 3/8 × 34 1/4 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Claire Zeisler
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Reference Number
- 1953.301
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
