Photos: Zihrena Systems - All Rights Reserved
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Textiles
"In the textiles of Chiapas, the Maya concepts of time, space, and the mythological forces of nature are interwoven. Through repeated cycles of birth and decline, conquest and revival, weaving has preserved the design of the Maya Universe." - Walter F. Morris - A Millennium of Weaving in Chiapas
The richly colored and textured textiles of Chiapas are the heritage of the Mayan Culture. Using backstrap looms, the designs and techniques for the Chiapanecan huipiles and woven goods and have been passed down from mother to daughter over the centuries, as has the divine meaning behind the symbols woven into their brocades such as the diamond shapes that depict the Universe and the movement of the sun, waving and undulating lines representing the fruits and animals of the earth, and the toad as a symbol of rain and fertility.
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On a base of long threads attached to the backstrap loom, the Mayan women weave their colorful cotton or wool threads in complex designs, and by joining the narrow, rectangular woven strips in various configurations, form garments such as the huipil, a women´s blouse shaped in a rectangle, usually with brocading or embroidery around the neck line, armholes and down the bodice area; the tsute, a man´s brocaded and tasseled headdress, and a variety of fajas (belts), morales (shoulder bags) and other intricately decorated accessories.
Some of the traditional and natural dyes used in the coloring of the raw wool or cotton fibers include blue from the Palo de Mula tree, purple from sea snails, the mauve of the blackberry, red from Palo de Brasil (Brazilwood), Annatto seeds and the Cochineal insect, and yellow from the Zacatlaxcalli vine.
A number of the Mayan villages of Chiapas specialize in particular woven designs. Chiapa de Corzo is known for its outstanding embroideries on women´s satin blouses and skirts. The Mayan women of San Andres Larrainzar are involved in the study of ancient weaving and dying techniques and concentrate especially on the revival of the brocade technique. Chamula, a Tzotzil community near San Cristóbal de las Casas, specializes in woolen belts and tunics. Of note in Zinacantan is the Zinacantan Maya wedding huipil which includes feathers woven into the fabric.
Clothing, Regalia, Textiles from the Chiapas Highlands of Mexico
Identification of Colorants on Maps from the early Colonial period of New Spain (Mexico)
Identification and Classification of Colorants Used During Mexico's Early Colonial Period
Wooden Carvings and Masks, Basketry and Pottery
A number of animals shapes as well as Catholic saints are depicted by the carved wooden masks of the Chiapanecans, made from pine, mahogany, cedar and other native woods. Woven palm baskets, masks, hats and other woven goods and receptacles are made in the state. In addition, Chiapas has a fine heritage of potters who turn out a variety of both large and small clay pots and figurines. These pieces, for the most part, are wood fired and unglazed although they may be finely burnished or handpainted with simple designs.
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Amber
The richness of amber comes from fosillized tree resins millions of years old which often hold in their grasp ancient insects, bark and leaves. It can vary from a light yellow color to rich dark oranges and browns. Amber is mined in Chiapas in the area of Simojovel and Totolapa and is used extensively in the elaboration of fine jewellry shop as well as in electrology. In Chiapas, amber is believed to ward off evil spirits and protect its wearer.
In San Cristobal de la Casas and other towns, the visitor can find a large variety of amber merchants. San Cristobal also has the Amber Museum which exhibits some astoundingly carved pieces. (see San Cristobal de las Casas)
| Chiapas Textile Project |
| Cloth and Clay - virtual museum from the Textile Museum of Canada website |
| Images of the Maya |
| Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art |
| The Dresden Codex - The Book of Mayan Astronomy |
| The Mayan Calendar |
| The John Montgomery Dictionary of Mayan Glyphs |
| Mayan Glyph Drawings by Linda Schele |
