Pink belt

1975

This belt (faja in Spanish, and paxa as it is called by the indigenous people of Coyutla) is woven on a hip loom with wool and cotton. The center section has a regular pattern of two shades of pink, the border has two black and two red threads woven along.\The belt was made by Maria Concepción Bautista of Coyutla.\ A belt is the garment used to tie the wraparound skirt or pants and hold them up. In addition, belts are used to support the abdominal and back muscles while performing heavy work. The idea behind it is to make work easier and prevent injuries. In many places in México and Guatemala the belt is worn during pregnancy to support the woman. In some cases, with the idea that the belt protects the baby.In the municipality of Chalma, in the Huasteca region of Veracruz, the craft sector is well represented. Most of the work is done by the indigenous people. The artisans work in their homes in their free time. The work intensifies just before patronal and family celebrations, such as during the rituals dedicated to the dead and the corn. The manufacture of textiles is a relevant activity in this community. All women are familiar with embroidery techniques. Only the elderly women practice weaving on a hip loom and spinning; they are usually the ones responsible for producing the family's clothing. Nowadays (2008) besides the women who work independently, there is a group of organized women for the production of textiles for the city market, which creates new forms of work, as well as new designs of garments and embroideries.