Red ceremonial cloth

Unknown artist

The cloth (in Spanish sut or tzute) is woven in a hip loom with acrylic cotton. The cloth consists of three pieces of textile that are sewn together. There are also embroideries on the cloth. Embroidery is a decorative technique whereby additional threads are added to the fabric after the weaving process is completed. Further, the cloth is decorated with pompoms at the three ends (the cloth is shaped like a triangle). \A sut or tzute is a garment that can be used for a variety of purposes: it can serve to cover the head, shoulders, and arms during ceremonial ceremonies or as protection from the sun; to carry children or groceries; to hold sacred objects and images of saints, store bread, and set tables during ceremonial occasions. This particular cloth is intended for ceremonial use by women. It is specifically used to cover the head. \The background color of the cloth is red. It is decorated with stripes of different colors throughout its length. The cloth also contains a band in purple with zigzag lines. \Zacualpa is located in the department of El Quiché. In 2007, Zacualpa had a population of 34,643, of which 32,640 belong to the K´iche culture.‖ Before colonization, the area was inhabited by several Quiché groups. When the Spaniards arrived, they merged the various existing villages to facilitate mission work and exploitation of the indigenous people.‖ Today, 90% of the population of Zacualpa is engaged in agriculture. The remaining 10% is engaged in small industries, handicrafts and professional services.