Maya textiles are highly celebrated not only for their bright colors and their diversity, but also for their rich traditions, long history, and how they unite the many different sub-cultures of the Maya people. The textile artisans are traditionally women, and these women have passed on their traditions to their daughters and granddaughters for centuries. The Maya use many … [Read more...] about Contemporary Mesoamerican Textiles: Researched by Kari Mishler
While the Maya rebozo takes the form of a long, wide scarf, it has many uses, from serving as a cloak, to carrying babies and bundles, to serving as padding under a basket carried on the head. Like the Sash from Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala, this rebozo uses the ikat technique, which shows in the soft, watery images of flowers and birds visible within the stripes. The … [Read more...] about Rebozo with Floral Pattern: Researched by Samantha Gooding
Traditional Maya textiles are crafted individually by highly skilled weavers who incorporate bright colors and intricate patterns. Since Pre-Columbian times, Maya textiles have been highly developed and highly valued, serving not only as a component of blankets, clothing, and other functional objects, but also as a way of showing status and region. Textile weaving … [Read more...] about Guatemala Maya Costume: Researched by Christina Bradshaw and Elizabeth Haughey
The production of Mesoamerican textiles dates back to about 1000 B.C.E., as shown by textile impressions in ancient pottery sherds. Although actual ancient samples of textiles have not survived the tropical climate of Mesoamerica, Pre-Columbian sculptural depictions and paintings of figures wearing woven costume indicate that textiles were decorative, highly valued, … [Read more...] about Contemporary Mesoamerican Textiles: Researched by Clara Komrosky-Licata