Aguacatan Woman's Hair Cinta, 1970s

Finely woven cinta or hair tie from the 1970s
Maya women in Guatemala weave a wide varitey of fajas (sashes and belts) for wrapping around the waist to hold up the skirt. Similarly, a wide variety of styles of cintas are woven as hair ornaments. Both are woven by hand on narrow looms made in dimensions especially for the specific item. Like huipiles, the designs are also often village-specific; though in towns such as Totonicapan and Jacaltenango, a variety of belts and hair-ties are woven for general use throughout the highlands.

This particular cinta was woven in Aguacatan for use by its women. Such wide and long hair ornaments are a signature item of clothing for these Maya weavers. This particular garment is 88 inches long (not counting the elaborate bola ends) and 3.5 inches wide at the widest point. The foundation is cotton, and the bright brocaded designs are also 100% cotton. Both ends of the textile have the elaborate ends with textile balls. This cinta was purchased in the late 1970s, and appears to have been used at the time, so there is some light wear and soil. The weavers of Aguacatan are widely renowned for their finely woven and elaborate cintas.