Oaxacan Textiles

Store Wall in Oaxaca
Oaxaca has a tradition of finely crafted textiles, particularly handmade woven textiles that are usually produced on a backstrap loom, often featuring elaborate designs embroidered over the weaving. It seems that most of the weavers still use traditional motifs in their work and have pride that their village's weaving is unique . Because Oaxaca is home to several different groups of indigenous peoples, each of which has a distinctive tradition (although the Zapotec and Mixtec people make up the two largest indigenous groups in Oaxaca) there are lots of choices. Bottom line, it is a wonderful place to shop for dresses, huipils (a Spanish term for a Maya woman's traditional blouse), table linens of one sort or another, rugs, purses etc. It is why I always bring an empty suitcase.

Oaxaca also is the place to find textiles from all over Central America. My favorite textiles are from Guatemala. This time, I saw some outstanding examples of these textiles at a small museum just off the Zocalo which featured an exhibition of Guatemalan weaving .

The photos of the huipils shown in my post are exclusively from Guatemala. My friend Jane says that huipils, whether from Oaxaca or Guatemala are the most personal and significant part of a woman's outfit. It is used to identify the specific village of the wearer, her social and marital status, religious background and beliefs, wealth, authority and individual personality.

To me, these huipils represent a magnificent example of a culture's weaving heritage.

There are 26 different Mayan groups in Guatemala, each has different patterns, designs and colours.
There is also a favorite store in Oaxaca that sells Guatemalan huipils where, of course, we shopped. Although the huipil Julie is wearing is gorgeous and has embroidered birds she didn't get this one but she did get another. Needless to say I got one as well.

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