Quetzaltenango exceptional daily huipil.

This large circa-1980 huipil was hand woven on a back-strap loom in 3 white cotton base panels. The seams where the panels join are decorated by hand embroidered floral designs. The surface decoration is supplementary brocade featuring bird, plant and plumed serpent motifs and trimmed on the bottom with a shadow weave. The weft stripe across the shoulders is brocade in silk, indicating ceremonial use. The purple brocade is murex (shell fish) dyed, a very rare feature, also indicating possible ceremonial use. It has a well done hand embroidered collar that has been opened for easier access. This fine example is in very good condition. It was acquired from Sra. Estefana Culajah at the La Fuente textile market in Antigua. W 98 x L 76 cm. (16-172) Was $ 210. Now $180 OBO.