supplementary weft patterning, missing lace collar; warp faced plain weave fabric with weft design with red, blue, yellow (faded); wide contral panel with narrow panels on other sides; same design front and back; narrow panels have shoulder designs (birds)

Cofradía blouse (huipil), c. 1910

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In this huipil, the red from the silk yarn has bled onto the white cotton fabric. Although it was common knowledge that silk yarns were not color-fast, the weaver's decision to use the brightly-colored yarn was a deliberate artistic choice. The run-off from the dye did not "ruin" her garment; instead, it showcased the artist's ability to purchase expensive, imported silk. This prestige blouse would be worn to a cofradía ceremony, further solidifying her high status as a woman of honor and responsibility. The cofradía is a community-based religious group, responsible for ceremonies as well as the care of their local Catholic church.

A careful inspection of the delicate embroidery reveals a large double-headed eagle. Stylistically inspired by the heraldic eagle of the Hapsburg royal family of Spain, the motif also represents the continued prevalence of pre-Conquest cosmology and imagery. The eagle's ability to turn its head to look both forward and backward is a manifestation of the Mayan concept of duality.

Details
Title
Cofradía blouse (huipil)
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2004.169.100
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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supplementary weft patterning, missing lace collar; warp faced plain weave fabric with weft design with red, blue, yellow (faded); wide contral panel with narrow panels on other sides; same design front and back; narrow panels have shoulder designs (birds)