Mayan girdle belt. Nebaj. K’iché, Ixil Ethnicity, Guatemala. Circa 1970.

Girdle woven on a backstrap loom, using the warp face technique. It shows the structure and the characteristic ornamental design of this ethnic group, with a striped base of threads in white, black and borravino colors, culminating in a “viper's tail” at both ends, and obtaining the traditional polychrome geometric figures through brocade. Measures. Length: 310 cm. Width: 7 cm.

Distinctive in these garments, the brocade consists of the application of supplementary weft threads during the weaving process, so that the drawing appears only on one of the faces of the piece. This striking decoration is confined to the visual exhibition area, surrounding the waist.

Bibliography:

Mireille Holsbeke, Julia Montoya, Robert S. Carlsen: Los Tejidos Mayas. Guatemala, Ed. Cholsamaj, 2008, p. 70.

S.O-XIV-OLM