Joyce Bush de Vourvoulias was a renowned Guatemalan sculptor who early on recognized the remarkable artistry and quality of Guatemalan textiles. Her collection of huipiles spans from 1963 -- when she started actively seeking out the traditional garments -- to 1975, when the increasingly violent undeclared civil war in Guatemala drove her to emigrate to the United States with her husband and children. It was her hope (unrealized) to someday have a representative huipil from each of the pueblos and aldeas in Guatemala. In the Philadelphia art world is she is remembered not only for her sculptures (which are in public and private collections across the U.S. and Latin America) but also for the huipiles she wore.

All items shown here from her collection are of museum quality.

Santa Maria de Jesus ceremonial huipil. Hand spun white base thread. Lots of silk brocade. 1960 or before. Authentic examples of this item are very rare. Very good condition. (88 x 174 cm) [12-13] $800. Sold.