The Museum recently was given a donation of Mayan textiles by Julia Kellman. Julia Kellman obtained these pieces in the mid-1980s or early 1990s, during her doctoral research in the Highlands of Guatemala.
Many of the textiles were woven on back strap looms, the traditional method still used by many women today. Weavings such as these were traditionally made with hand dyed thread but are now made with commercial embroidery thread.
These textiles exhibit traditional patterns and symbols that have been passed on from generation to generation on paper, as well as on cloth. Birds and geometric patterns are just a few of the traditional symbols used.
With bright colors and wonderful patterns, these new Mayan textiles add to the richness of the Museum's current collection.
Learn More: Mayan Textiles 2004.15