One-panel huipil of white cotton commercial fabric; round-cut neck opening; hand-sewn hem at lower edge. Yellow, rayed sun embroidery circles neck opening; burgundy embroidered area 3 1/2" wide provides background for upper half of pattern; highly abstracted animal and bird figures embroidered with hombre floss in non-realistic colors encircle the sun border. Figures include peacocks, quetzal, owl?, misc. mythological birds; rabbits, fox?, cat? other highly stylized animals, real and imagined.

Woman's blouse (Huipil), 20th century

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Cotton; embroideryexpand_more

Gift of Richard L. Simmonsexpand_more  97.189.21

Not on Viewexpand_more

The use of dark colors, such as deep purple, black, and blue-black, is a primary characteristic of Maya mourning huipiles, both woven and embroidered. The general layout of the garment is similar to the everyday huipil, but the imagery is simplified by the use of a monchromatic palette.

In sharp contrast, the fanciful creatures and brilliant use of color on the everyday huipil suggests a lightness of spirit. Commercial cotton cloth forms the ground for both of these beautifully executed embroideries.
Details
Title
Woman's blouse (Huipil)
Role
Artist
Accession Number
97.189.21
Curator Approved

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One-panel huipil of white cotton commercial fabric; round-cut neck opening; hand-sewn hem at lower edge. Yellow, rayed sun embroidery circles neck opening; burgundy embroidered area 3 1/2" wide provides background for upper half of pattern; highly abstracted animal and bird figures embroidered with hombre floss in non-realistic colors encircle the sun border. Figures include peacocks, quetzal, owl?, misc. mythological birds; rabbits, fox?, cat? other highly stylized animals, real and imagined.