Santa Maria de Jesus Mourning Tzute

Woman's large mourning tzute measuring 36 inches wide x 40 inches long
This is a traditional woman's mourning tzute from Santa Maria de Jesus. It dates from the 1980s. The mourning tzutes are somber in color, with a dark blue indigo background. It was handwoven on a backstrap loom in two panels, then joined with a decorative randa down the center. The two lower edges are selvage-finished, the top edges are finely hemmed. Dimensions are 36 inches wide and 40 inches long. Background fabric is indigo blue cotton with marginal color stripes in each panel. The brocaded designs are a combination of all cotton threads. Most of the rows of figures are traditional designs of various birds important in Maya daily life: pavo (turkey), gallo (rooster), and pajarito (little bird). Condition is excellent, perhaps there are a few loose threads, since this is a used tzute. This is a really beautiful example.

Dimensions: approximately 36 inches wide and 40 inches long.