Huipil

1944

The traditional costume of the Chinanteca is one of the most colourful in all of Mexico and especially the women wear many different costumes. The costume for women consists of a "huipil", skirt, belt and head covering. The most beautiful "huipiles" are made in the western part of Chinantla, the home of the Chinanteca and especially in the villages Usila and Ojitlán. Often the "huipil" is the only garment that is still woven completely by hand, other parts are usually made of factory produced fabrics. The everyday huipil is usually made of white cotton and consists of three strips of fabric sewn together. The embroidered decoration on this type of huipil is mainly on the chest, shoulder and underside of the front and is probably of pre-Spanish origin. Snake, diamond and bird motifs are often visible on these garments. The double-headed eagle is a common motif and is most probably of pre-Columbian origin. Presumably this emblem represents the concept of duality. The "huipil" for festive occasions is all red with the same dimensions as the everyday one. \Description: Handspun white cotton, commercial yarn used for embroidery. Large geometrical designs are embroidered all over garment. On centre panel, on both front and back, two double-headed eagles are embroidered. Panels are joined with multi-coloured 'randa' work. Oval neck opening is finished with black ribbon. A piece of same black ribbon is sewn on to garment on front and back of centre panel. \Uses with skirt vide 5075-222 and treadle-loomed cotton belt from Oaxaca City. Sometimes no skirt is used. \Provenience: Ojitlán, Oax.