San Juan Comalapa antique ceremonial (sobre) huipil.

From the Dr. Richard P. Mandell collection.

This circa-1960 ceremonial huipil was hand woven on a back strap loom in two very well balanced brown cotton panels. The base thread is “ixcaco”, hand-spun, undyed, naturally brown cotton. The use of ixcaco is rare. These panels are decorated with horizontal bands of supplementary weft brocade, some in silk. The red stripes across the shoulders are the most standard traditional feature of Comalapa huipils. The head and arm openings are trimmed with velvet. This classic sobre huipil was worn over the regular huipil at “cofradia” ceremonies, weddings and other ceremonial functions. This huipil is of the highest quality and in excellent condition. W 106 x L 66 cm. (16-211) $ 550. OBO.

Lower photo by Frank Mays.