Vint Handwoven Guatemalan Mayan Huipil Nebaj Guatemala Ethnic Folk Art Textile Vintage

Vintage Handwoven Guatemala Mayan Huipil from Nebaj. A Huipil is a hand loomed, woven and sometimes embroidered blouse or top that the indigenous women wear. It made from usually 3 long pieces put together. ( the pieces are limited by the size of the back strap looms they use. That is why they need to use more that one piece). A hole is made for the head. Sometimes it is sewn up on the sides with room left for the armhole but more traditionally it is left open on the sides but then wrapped around and tucked into their skirts held in place by long hand woven belts.

Nabaj is a highland town in the region known as Quiche. The indigenous population of the area are known as Ixil where they have their own distinct language.

The weaving was done by the women on a back strap loom. The color and the figures all have a special meaning that is unique to there region and culture.

The art of the traditional weaving is past down from mother to daughter. Each region and village has their own distinct design and colors. Unfortunately more of the traditional weaving and other cultural ways are being influence and replaced by modernization of the U.S.A. & Europe.

This Huipil is about 30 to 40 years old. It does show some signs of wear. However the fabric is study and the weave is strong. It is brilliant & detailed.

The body is 33" x 52" although the edges are uneven. Then the neck hold is 5 1/4" but at the diagonal measurement is 7". There is a repair of a tear down toward the bottom in the design. It was like this when I purchased it. It is in an area that would have been tucked in to a skirt or hidden by a belt. The pattern is so busy that this repair gets lost in the design.

There are some symbols at the bottom of the main design. I do not know what they mean. I did not notice them until I got back home otherwise I would have asked the vendor that was selling this for his family.

I encourage you to invest in piece of Mayan culture and history while such treasures are available.

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