About Friends of the Ixchel Museum
Friends of the Ixchel Museum (FOIM) is a U.S. charitable foundation established in 1984 that promotes interest in the Mayan textile tradition of Guatemala and the work of the Museo Ixchel. In this way, it contributes to the understanding, preservation and protection of this important cultural legacy.
FOIM is made up of Guatemalan and North American volunteers who share an interest in Guatemala and their commitment to increase appreciation of Mayan textile art.
Every year, the Friends sponsor publications and projects both in the U.S. and in Guatemala. Among them are educational programs, ethnographic research and photographic documentation in several communities, as well as the classification and cataloging of the museum’s collections of textiles and photographs. It has also made possible the English translation and publication of several of the museum’s works, the production of videotapes in Spanish and English, and a Spanish language activity book for children.
Its work to publicize and promote Guatemalan textiles includes putting on exhibits in the United States and publishing a biannual newsletter describing both FOIM activities and those of the museum.
The Museum itself is located in Guatemala City. A short and engaging overview can be found in an article in Revue Magazine (May 2017 issue). For more information, see the ‘Museum Highlights’ section of this website.
Friends of the Ixchel Museum Current Bulletin
A Todos Santos Tale
All collectors want their textiles to have a tale. Guatemalan textiles are mostly anonymous. They are bought in local markets or shops and any tale you are told should be taken with grain of salt. Forty plus years of collecting has taught me this.
This set of men’s clothing from Todos Santos is an extraordinary find. This shirt and pants were made for everyday use. Given that they were made sometime in the 1920s, they are in remarkably fine condition. A few years ago I received a call from a friend in Santa Fe who asked if I would be interested in a men’s shirt and pants from Todos Santos. I asked “do they have age?” She said yes, and sent a very bad photo. However, it was good enough for me to know that these were pieces I wanted. I made an offer and it was accepted.
In this issue:
- A Todos Santos Tale
- In the Museum
- You Suggested…
Read the full article below, or download.
FOIM_newsletter.Fall.2022President’s Letter
Be sure to read the latest Letter from our President!
Board of Directors
President
Ana-Maria V. Zaugg
Vice-President
Yolanda Alcorta
Secretary
Susan M. de Riojas
Treasurer (Acting)
Loa P. Traxler
Board
Chase Davis
Shannon Davis
Emilie de Brigard
Amy DiPlacido
Elisa Maria Dyer de Fitzpatrick
Maya Fledderjohn
Susan Hurst
Luciana Jabur
Anne Hermann Lamborn
Carlos Nottebohm
Raymond Senuk
Monika Snodgrass
Emeritus
Margot Blum Schevill