Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Blouse (Huipil)

Artist/Maker Artist Unknown (Artist Unknown)

Date1930-1935

Mediumcotton, silk and dye

DimensionsOverall: 24 3/4 x 55 1/4 in. (62.9 x 140.3 cm)

ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories

Credit LineAcquired through exchange

Terms

Object number95.0007.37

DescriptionAn early huipil from the village of Tecpán, Chimaltenango, this textile has a distinctive feel and surface texture as a result of the use of natural brown cotton, or cuyuscate, which is grown locally, hand spun, and then woven. Cuyuscate is native to Guatemala, but commercially available thread led many weavers to abandon its use. Recently, with greater demand and interest in Maya textiles, weavers are using natural cotton again and the shawl made in 2005 on display in the main gallery is a good example of this trend. The main concern of the artist in this work is the zigzag which is seen both vertically and horizontally, representing the rains and the mountains respectively.

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