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
