Quetzaltenango special huipil.

This large circa-1980 huipil was hand woven on a foot treadle loom in 3 white cotton base panels that are joined by extravagant hand embroidered decorative seams in floral designs. The surface decoration is supplementary brocade featuring bird, plant and universal diamond motifs and trimmed on the bottom with a shadow weave. The purple brocade is murex (shell fish) dyed, a very rare feature on any huipil, indicating possible ceremonial use. It has an especially well done hand embroidered collar that has been opened for easier access. This exceptional example is in very good condition. It was acquired from Sophia Monroy Tepeú at the La Fuente textile market in Antigua. W 99 x L 87 cm. (16-66) $ 325. OBO