San Juan Sacatepequez

The huipils of San Juan Sacatepequez in many ways reflect the importance and abundance of the flower industry. They are among some of the most colorful in all of the Guatemalan Highlands. The brilliant blue and yellow stripes serve as a backdrop for alternating bands of brocaded design. The large four-legged creatures reflect the peoples' fondness for animals. Separating these bands are zigzag lines, which symbolize the mountains, valleys, and rivers that make up their homeland. Interspersed in the valleys are depictions of the ceiba or world tree, the ancient sacred tree of the Maya. Attempts to reinforce and extend the life of the huipils have inspired new innovations in design. The embroidered floral pattern around the head opening of the huipil seen below is a collar made in Quetzaltenango. These collars are commonly traded throughout the highlands of Guatemala. This collar was sewn onto the garment after the original began to fray. The same is true of the store bought arm reinforcements that give the piece a regal look.

Photograph by Chelsea Blackmore and Travis Doering