Huipil Rabinal

Single-panel huipil measuring 30.5 inches wide and 24 inches long

This post-1980 daily use huipil was hand-woven on a backstrap loom. The foundation fabric is a soft black cotton. The designs were added during the weaving process using the technique of supplemental-weft brocading. All brocading appear to be of polished cotton threads, though there may be a small amount of synthetic threads. The adornment around the neck was added after the weaving, using hand embroidery. The huipil consists of a single wide panel, as is traditional construction of the San Miguel Chicaj huipiles, a close neighbor of Rabinal. Both of the lower edges are selvage-finished. The adornment around the head-hole is retained, but the side stitches, which makes the huipil into a finished garment to be used, have been removed.

Measurements: 30.5 inches wide across the shoulders and 24 inches, more or less, shoulder to hem.

Condition: Very good, lightly used, some loose threads and slight soil is possible. This garment was purchased in 1999