Sash Item Number: Sa172 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Woven belt with multi-coloured varied geometric designs arranged in alternating rectangles and squares, separated by black and white stripes, and on background of black and white yarns. Braided red, white, and black ends, one twice the length of the other.

History Of Use

Everyday wear. Most women wrap the faja around their waist several times, in order to maintain the pleats in their skirts. This particular faja was possibly obtained in trade from the area of Totonicapan. Belts of this area are distinguished by human, animal and geometric motifs placed in crosswise bands (Osborne; Pancake).

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.

Cultural Context

worn by either a women or a child

Item History

What

Name
Sash
Identification Number
Sa172
Type of Item
sash
Material
metal, acrylic fibre, cotton fibre, fibre and dye
Manufacturing Technique
woven and warp striped
Overall
height 5.5 cm, width 140.5 cm

Who

Culture
Cakchiquel
Previous Owner
Inge Ruus
Received from
Inge Ruus (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
San Antonio De Aguas Calientes, Sacatepequez, Guatemala

When

Creation Date
before 1976
Ownership Date
before July 1976
Acquisition Date
during July 1976

Other

Item Classes
textiles
Condition
good
Accession Number
0318/0007 a