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Nahuala Huipil #6A

Manufacturer: N/A

SKU: G-T-H-Na-6A

Price: $120.00
This item is out of stock

This post-1980 special use huipil was hand-woven on a backstrap loom. The foundation fabric is cotton, in natural white color. The very intricate designs were added during the weaving process using the technique of supplemental-weft brocading. They were made using artificial silk (rayon or orlon embroidery floss) as well as polished cotton colored threads. It consists of two panels, seemed down the center. All four of the lower edges are nicely selvage-finished. The adornment around the head- and arm-holes is retained. The side stitching (which made the huipil into a finished garment to be used) is still present.

This special or ceremonial use huipil incorporates artificial silk for the rose color. That thread was chosen specifically to bleed the color into the white foundation fabric. The real silk used 50-75 years ago would bleed in this manner, so this appearance is a status symbol for these Maya women. Thus what may appear to American woman as a flaw in the making, is considered by indigenous women as a virtue, an effect to be encouraged and enhanced. The designs in both the front and the back are the same. This is a particularly nice and finely-woven example.

Measurements: 30 inches wide across top of shoulder and arms, 32 inches wide in the body, and 26 inches shoulder to hem.

Condition: Very Good, lightly used, some very light soil possible.

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