Traditional Todos Santos Huipil
Photograph by Travis Doering and Chelsea Blackmore
Huipils of Todos Santos are very simple and elegant. Their traditional red color gives them an aura that glows in the minds of all who have the opportunity to see them. Their vibrancy dots the Cuchumatan landscape like flowers blossoming. One of the primary motifs of the huipil is the center design band on the central web of fabric. Here we see a series of stylized flowers framed on the top and bottom by a series of triangles.
Similar motifs also appear on the two side webs. The triangles give one an impression of mountains. Thus, the flowers seem to represent Todos Santos itself nestled in the middle of the Cuchumatan mountains. Notice the square patch of fabric that serves as the hole for the head. The undulating rays of material against the vivid orange reminds one of the sun glowing brilliantly and covering Todos Santos with a gentle golden hue.