Minneapolis Institute of Art

Sash (faja)

K'iche' Maya artist

Date

c. 1965

Medium

Silk, cotton, needlework

Culture

K'iche' Maya

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Huipiles from Chichicastenango exhibit a wider range of imagery than those from other villages; however, they are also among the most instantly recognizable. As evidenced in this example, they are characterized by the boldly appliquéd or embroidered sunbursts that encircle the neck opening. When worn, the sunburst surrounds a woman's head, positioning her at the center of her universe. In contrast to the man's ceremonial traje displayed on the adjacent mannequin, this ensemble represents women's everyday dress. Her huipil would be neatly tucked into her long, wraparound skirt ( corte ) and secured by a colorful sash ( faja ). Although the ikat-patterned corte fabric was woven on a treadle loom, the embroidered seams ( randa ) and sash were carefully made by hand in a skillful expression of color and pattern, visually related to those of the huipil. K'iche' Maya, Guatemala, Americas

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