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This exceptional vintage GuatemalanMaya handwoven textile has extraordinarily dense multicolor brocade workcovering nearly the entire surface.
This large traditional cloth measures 95” longx 34 1/2” wide and was most likely woven as a corte, the rectangularcloth traditionally wrapped and worn as a woman’s skirt in Guatemala. Its long,uncut format has been preserved and makes it equally striking today as alarge-scale piece of textile art.
The black woven ground is filled withrepeating horizontal bands of intricate geometric and stylized motifs worked inan unusually vivid palette of hot pink, crimson red, brilliant yellow, orange,turquoise blue, purple, emerald and lime green, with warm gold and brownaccents.
What makes this textile particularlyimpressive is the sheer amount of patterning. Rather than simpler pieces madefor the tourist market, almost the entire 95-inch length is covered withcomplex repeating designs. Wide bands of dramatic yellow and orange geometricforms alternate with jewel-toned motifs and narrower magenta and red borders,creating remarkably rich pattern and color.
The colorful designs aren’t embroidery, but wereactually hand woven using supplementary-weft brocade techniques. Close-upphotographs show the individual colored pattern threads as well as the reverseof the weaving.
The fibers have been examined undermagnification and appear to be all cotton, including the black ground andcolorful pattern yarns.
The saturated color palette and graphicquality suggest a mid-to-late 20th century date, possibly circa 1960s-1980s.Exact village or regional attribution is unknown, so this is beingconservatively described as Guatemalan Maya.
The large size and dramatic graphics make thisan exceptional decorative textile. It could be displayed vertically as a nearly8-foot-tall wall hanging, hung horizontally over a sofa or bed, draped over alarge table or console, displayed on a textile rack or ladder, or incorporatedinto an eclectic, bohemian, folk-art or global interior. It would also make animpressive backdrop in a textile collection or gallery-style display.
Measurements: 95” long x 34 1/2” wide.
Condition is excellent vintage overall. The textile remains strong andremarkably colorful, with only minor weaving irregularities and occasionalloose or missing supplementary threads consistent with age and handmadeconstruction. Please examine the detailed photographs, including close-ups andthe reverse.
A beautiful example of traditional Mayaweaving that is equally compelling as an ethnographic textile, collectible folkart, or statement piece for the home. Would make a thoughtful gift for anyonewho loves ethnic folk art.
Keyword tags: Guatemala, Guatemalan, Maya, Mayan, corte, handwoven, handwoven, brocade, supplementary weft, vintage textile, ethnic textile, tribaltextile, folk art, fiber art, textile art, wall hanging, wall decor, bohemian,boho decor, maximalist, global decor, Latin American, Central American,indigenous art, traditional weaving, woven cotton, geometric, multicolor,rainbow, jewel tone, black, 1970s, mid century, artisan, handmade, collectibletextile, large textile, tapestry decor
