Caramel Nahuala huipil with Quetzal birds

Product Information

All huipiles are vintage and may show signs of wear. I ask my vendors to send a report and photos if there are any stains or damage.

Mayan women do not have washing machines, so the huipil you receive has always been handwashed. I recommend for longevity to continue handwashing.

Many huipiles have cotton threads that have been dyed naturally, so when washing some colour may leech out. Mayan women always wash in room temperature water and add a handful of salt on the final rinse and this sets the colours each time. If your huipil runs some colour then please add salt to the final rinse.

Due to the handwoven and vintage nature of these products, small defects and signs of wear and tear, fading or ageing are not uncommon. We feel this only adds to the unique story behind each huipil.

Textile Provenance

Huipil (pronounced wee-peel) designs are infused with ancient Mayan traditions of nature, astrology and ritual. Designs and symbols, representing gods, the natural world and protection for the household are interwoven throughout the fabrics.

Corte designs (Mayan womans skirt) are most commonly a jaspè ikat that is unique to the Mayans. The variety within this design range from simple stripes with almost indiscernible ikat to richly complicated ikat designs depicting stylised animals and symbols of nature.

Tzute textiles are a ceremonial or all purpose rectangular cloth that is hand woven and often embroidered with elaborate stylised designs.

Brocade Weaving

Supplemental weft, a technique integral to the art of weaving, involves the introduction of an extra yarn or thread into the fabric, contributing intricate patterns and embellishments.

Particularly utilized in crafting the brocade textiles for our huipil cushions, this method is known for its time-consuming and intricate nature.

Skilled artisans carefully weave supplemental weft threads, investing significant time and attention to detail, to achieve the unique and elaborate designs featured on our brocade textile cushions.

The complexity of this process adds a touch of artistry to each cushion, making it a distinctive and luxurious addition to your home decor.