Mayan people, Santa Catarina, Guatemala
This woman and child are from Santa Catarina Palopo, on the shores of Lake Atitlan. The fabric the Mayans weave to carry their babies is the very finest they make.
Mayan babies never cry. They are constantly carried or held. They never touch the ground until they are 3 years old. They are often not given a name until their first birthday.
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The handwoven garments worn by Mayan peoples of Mexico and Central America and the textiles used in ceremonial observances are tangible manifestations of a potent culture that has endured countless hardships. In this compelling book, four main sections offer varied insights into the history and ecology of the Maya; traditions of weaving in contemporary life; changes taking place in fabric and clothes; and ritualistic practices. Impressive photographs by Jeffrey Foxx offer a pictorial document that illustrates awesome landscapes where Mayan people live and work and, above all, the continuing relevance of embroidered and woven textiles in the everyday lives of Mayan families. In photographs showing children at play, encounters at the marketplace, colorful public ceremonies, and isolated rites, Foxx portrays with remarkable clarity and power the significance of the beautiful fabrics worn both for religious observances and as simple celebrations of cultural identity.
Alice Joyce
