Nov 26, 2025

A Ceremonial Huipil from San Cristóbal Totonicapán: A Study in Materials & Technique

This huipil from San Cristóbal is a unique piece in the repertoire of historic Maya textiles and is highly sought-after by collectors.

Unlike traditional huipils, this one contains no woven elements. Instead, it features embroidery, appliqué, and crocheting on a base fabric of commercial tulle. This rare textile dates back to the 1920s or earlier, and very few exist in private or museum collections. Similar styles of huipil are also made in Cantel, San Andrés Xecul, and San Miguel Totonicapán.

In this issue:

  • In the Museum
  • Our exhibit at the John F. Peto Museum is OPEN!
  • Interns Help Broaden Access to Our Collections and Educational Resources

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