Antique Nahualá Huipil

Huipils are a traditional garment worn by women of Central and South America. Typically made on a back strap loom, these Guatemalan huipils are a fascinating show of the individuality and diversity of the country with each village having its own distinct style. The huipils can be worn or can be displayed on the wall using a piece of doweling through the shoulders.

Todos Santos Cuchumatán is located in La Sierra de Los Cuchumantanes, Huehuetenango in the west of Guatemala. The people of the area speak are predominately of indigenous descent and most speak the Mayan language of Mam. The majority of the local economy is based in agriculture with large scale coffee production in place in the lower parts of the area. The area is famous for a horse-racing festival that takes place around All Saints' Day. This particularly boozy festival and the consequently dangerous race that follows, brings out some of the incredible traditional clothing that is still worn by men and women alike.

This post-1980s, special use huipil was hand-woven on a backstrap loom. The foundation fabric is cotton of a solid red colour. The colourful designs were added during the weaving process using the technique of supplemental-weft brocading. They were made using mish cotton and polished cotton. They are very finely woven and cover the top half of all three panels. The huipil consists of three panels, seamed with a machine stitch.

What makes this huipil particularly special is the addition of two seamed holes for breast feeding and a popper in the head-hole to allow adjustment of size.

Please note that this item is vintage and will show normal signs of wear and tear for its age.