Aguas Calientes Huipil
Photograph by Travis Doering and Chelsea Blackmore
The textiles of Aguas Calientes are unique in Guatemala for the rich and tapestry-like quality of their weave and design. Huipils from Aguas Calientes are so bright, colorful, and lively that they are sometimes overwhelming in appearance. The bright birds are so lifelike that they fairly fly out of the textile. Coupled with the ornate geometric patterns that adorn the lower half of the huipil, the overall effect is striking.
The geometric patterns are traditional to the village. Each different band of design has its own unique and special meaning. Weavers say that the vertical zigzag pattern represents a certain kind of dulce or sweet treat that the women of Aguas Calientes make only for fiestas. Each color represents a different flavor. The horizontal zigzag pattern is a depiction of the mountains and valleys of the Guatemala highlands. The diamond designs at the bottom of the huipil represent the footprints of dogs running through the village.
This huipil was woven in Aguas Calientes, but worn by a woman from the village of Santa Maria de Jesus. She bought the huipil from an Aguas Calientes weaver, then changed the velvet lining around the neck and armholes of the huipil to the bright blue favored by the women of her village. The large round velvet boss at the base of the v-neck represents the moon. The women of many villages all over Guatemala wear a depiction of the moon on the front and back of their huipils. Originally, there were also bosses on the shoulders of the huipil, making four bosses in all, symbolizing the four phases of the moon.