Description

This is a traditional huipil from Santiago Atitlán in Guatemala. Santiago Atitlán is a large Tzutujil speaking town located on an inlet of the southern shore of Lake Atitlán. The huipils of Santiago Atitlán have some of the finest embroidery work in Guatemala and usually depict rows of birds. This huipil is unique in that it depicts turkeys instead of the usual tropical birds. Woven on a backstrap loom, The turkey designs and patterned lines were added after the weaving process using the technique of needle embroidery. Huipils and other hand embroidered garments are worn by both men and women in Santiago Atitlán.