So Many Textiles So Little Time

 

I didn’t fully appreciate the richness of the textile scene in Guatemala until I got there and once I arrived, it was pretty overwhelming from just about day 1. Guatemala is probably best known for the handwoven, backstrap loomed huipile like the magnificent example above - everyday wear in San Juan Atitan. Hashtag she made her clothes. But the blouse like huipiles are but  one piece of this many layered puzzle. 

Because there are a zillion different kind of belts that are woven, embroidered or sewn on all manners of looms and machines.  And there are belts for children and belts indicating status and belts to support an aching back and ones with tassels and some for the hair. You see what I mean? Kind of endless, right? 

Then there are hats like this ceremonial one above from Santiago Atitlan on the Lake. 

Plus men have their own hats too - hand plaited and embellished with woven bands like the one above.  I would love to see one of these hats being made - again from San Juan Atitan in Mam country. Headgear is big.

Plus then  there are skirts. Lots of them and often color coordinated. This one above is embroidered with a cross that tells us the wearer is married. 

Plus then ikat , tie dye, or as it is know locally jaspe, is everywhere in every imaginable color. Also lots of shawls, ponchos, hand crocheted bags, and carrying cloths. And that’s just everyday wear. There’s also fiesta wear not to be confused with ceremonial wear. And you’ll find  cotton, rayon , silk, acrylics,  and wool and  probably some things I don’t know about being used for cloth.  It just runs very very deep and with almost 3/4 of a million weavers working just about everyday, the output is incredible and there are innovations happening daily.. Guatemala is a textile lovers dream. We started in the capital Guatemala City because I wanted to see the Ixchel Museum and then went to Lake Atitlan vía a couple of days in Antigua. We landed for a week on the western edge of the lake and traveled to visit various weaving villages. Then deeper into the hilltown of Chcicastenango and finally  further into Mam country near Hiehuetenango. This is all to say we barely skimmed the surface.