Remarkably, Maya textile traditions have survived regional invasions by other Precolumbian cultures, withstood the "collapse" of the ancient Classic Maya civilization, endured the onslaught of a brutal Spanish conquest, and eventually flourished in passive resistance to foreign rule.
The traditions maintained and expressed in their daily dress have helped the Maya to continue their customs in the face of overwhelming pressure and change. The person wearing traje or the traditional costume, is proudly, if not defiantly, proclaiming to the world that they are Maya. One cannot help but notice the elegance of the women, adorned in finely woven, vibrantly colored fabrics, as they continue to carry on a reassuring tradition amidst the turmoil of modern-day life.
Today, as we begin the twenty-first century, westernization inexorably rolls into even the most isolated villages, resulting in the loss of regional customs. Over the next few generations, this elegant art form is in danger of being reduced to a few token pieces. For this reason, we are particularly pleased to present, the museum exhibit, Woven Voices, Textile Traditions of the Highland Maya.