Huipil

1966

The huipil is a simple rectangular, sleeveless garment that covers the shoulders and part of the arms and may fall to the hips in length, but reaches to the ankles elsewhere. In Mixtec, the huipil is also called 'Shiku lestu'. Wearing it expresses many aspects of social life. \The huipil consists of three separate strips woven in linen weave. These strips are attached to each other by the randi in the colors orange, yellow, purple and green. This huipil is special because it has wrinkled horizontal strips as decoration. These horizontal strips have the same color as the huipil itself. The sides of the huipil are closed with different colors of yarn. Below the neck, both on the front and back, two large flowers in the colors red, yellow, orange and green are embroidered. On top of these flowers a small animal motive is embroidered. The round neckline is finished with a black satin ribbon, in the triangle shape. The flower represents the feminine and the triangle motifs represent fertility.Description Christensen:Handspun white cotton, multi-coloured commercial yarn used for embroideryAcquired 1966 in Igualapa \Nowhere is the name of the item. Panels are joined with multi-coloured 'randa' work. Below neck opening, on front and back, are embroidered two large multi-coloured floral designs; at the top of the ones on front a tiny animal design is embroidered. The circular neck opening has a finish of black satin ribbon, cut in star shape.\Now, it is worn with gathered cotton skirt of commercial material, with flounces.\Now, it is not possible to wear it on the front.