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Cultural Context

worn by women

Iconographic Meaning

Quetzal bird is the national bird of Guatemala.

Description

Stiff cotton belt with warp threads braided at each end. Weft yarns have been stiffened, creating ribs. Background is red with thin green stripe along each lengthwise edge. Multicoloured single-faced brocade pattern is of geometric designs and one human form, one green quetzal bird, and smaller yellow bird.

Specific Techniques

Wooven on back strap loom, possibly by professional belt weavers in Totonicapan (Wood and Osborne). Warp-faced red plain weave with single-faced discontinuous supplementary weft (false satin stitch).

Narrative

This object forms part of the Inge Ruus Collection of Guatemalan Textiles in the Museum of Anthropology. The Inge Ruus Collection of Guatemalan Textiles was collected on behalf of the Museum of Anthropology by Inge Ruus, Curatorial Assistant in the Museum from 1974 to 1978. Some items were purchased by the Museum and others were donated by Inge Ruus. Inge Ruus collected these materials while attending courses on Guatemalan textiles in Guatemala during the summers of 1976 and 1977, taught by Anne Lambert, instructor on textiles at the University of Alberta.

History Of Use

Worn around waist to hold skirt in place. Some women tuck money or small purchases into belt. Belt may be tied or ends may tuck into skirt. Probably made for tourist sale (Lambert). This belt would probably not be worn by women of San Antonio Aguas Calientes.