This post is for Linda Brazill who is my nearby (Madison) "resident expert" on textiles.
I mention a few random observations to keep in mind while being amazed by the variety and skill embodied in the indigenous women's clothing in Guatemala (here in the western highlands of the villages served by AFOPADI outside Huehuetenango).
1.) Keep in mind that these are the real clothes worn by women while they perform their daily tasks.
2.) Below, you can see how the women weave on their backstrap looms in the midst of their family responsibilities which include taking care of children. Here we are in the lovely village of Xacala. The older girls may be home because education is very limited here, only going through primary school. They would need to walk five hours each way to attend higher grades in the town. Or they may be here because their family does not believe in educating girls. It is not the growing season, so I doubt they are home due to working in the fields.
3.) I took the photo below during an AFOPADI Educational workshop in Casaca. Again you can see the kids are always part of any gathering. Not only does this show a range of huipiles (Huipil is the blouse, Corte the skirt), but, as well, you can see the fun these women are having. Every AFOPADI workshop includes games since people's lives are so lacking in leisure.
4.) Given privacy issues, I have many photos of the backs of women's necks. This was unusual, in that it was beaded with an intricate patterns of rhinestones (?). Even though most women wear the patterns from their region and village, each huipil can be made distinct through its creator's imagination, time and means. On that note, it's important to point out two things. The first is how long it takes to weave these garments, up to months. The second is that many women have only two daily outfits (Trajes), with possibly another for special occasions. In an area where it gets down to the 30s (F) at night, you can see why the women wear sweaters. To me, they are not charming, but they are practical as it is usually chilly except when you are roasting in the hot tropical sun. Some women do still use beautiful woven shawls. All of these textiles are made from cotton.When I accompanied one friend to the market to buy thread, she was very particular about the feel.
4 comments:
These textiles are so beautiful. It's amazing to see weaving as a part of daily life. What a difference from our throw away culture.
Altoon, you would appreciate these with part of your art grounded in hooking those fantastic ruglets...Another amazing thing is that these weavings are not especially valued in Guatemalan culture as they are woven by indigenous women, the lowest of the low according to their particular hierarchy of racism.
I love the last picture with her jazzy border effect and also her headgear. It is amazing to see them dressed for everyday in their cultural clothing since that often seems to disappear after a lot of contact with other (outside) groups. I think of all the people wearing AMerican t-shirts around the world.
The men are wearing the t-shirts, often (understandably) without knowing what they say or advertise. No different, than elsewhere as you say, Linda.
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