Santo Tomás Chichicastenango ceremonial (cofradía) men's head tzute.

(For a thorough discussion of Chichicastenango men's head tzutes, see "Evolution in textile design from the highlands of Guatemala" by Margot Blum Schevill, Lowie Museum of Anthropology, Univ. Of California, Berkeley.) This excellent circa-1980 Chichicastenanago men's ceremonial head tzute was hand woven on a back strap loom in 2 white cotton panels that are joined by a hand embroidered decorative seam. All the maroon brocade is silk. The design features the double-headed eagle motif. The 4 corner tassels are long (40 cm), maroon cotton. Authentic Chichicastenango men's head tzutes are rare and highly prized, especially those with silk brocade. Such tzutes are used on ceremonial occasions by male members of the "cofradia" societies. This fine classic tzute is in very good condition. It was acquired from Sra. Carmen Tepeú of San Pedro Sacatepequez (G). W 57 x L 67 cm plus tassels. (21-32) $250 or best offer.