THE HUIPIL

Huipils are garments worn by indigenous woman from central Mexico to central America. They are traditionally hand woven on a loom and are commonly worn by Mayan women. The huipil has additional significance for the Mayan women of Guatemala, as the woven design can also identify what type of Maya they are and which community they come from.

When a person travels to Guatemala the first thing many people notice is its vibrant rich colors! Huipils are a major source of this color. They represent so much more then fashion. Each huipil is unique, tells a story, is handmade, and has a purpose. They really are hand woven pieces of art, whose colors and designs represent the villages and life stories of the women who weave them. We like the idea of life and story being woven together. This never stops but continues through generations and cultures.

Huipils are complicated, time consuming, and a labor of love. For all these reasons, they are very expensive. If an indigenous woman does not have the skills or ability to make her own Huipil, it will cost her on average $300 to have one made. Ixchel Triangle is currently focusing on preserving this tradition by helping women establish schools in communities to teach traditional weaving to the younger generation. We realize that we must do our part in creating a sustainable business model.