As various historians and anthropologists have noted, weaving is one of the world s slowest ways of making art. Preparing yarn or thread often can take as long as the weaving of a simple fabric. Likewise, the preparation of traditional vegetable and mineral dyes used in the coloring of thread can be very time-consuming. Then, if one allows for complicated patterns and designs, not to mention embroidery that might be added later, the time spent on textile manufacture can be impressive in itself. As Ann Pollard Rowe has found, in over 150 Guatemalan towns there are distinctive traditional costumes for which examples and documentation are available.
Pieces produced for ceremonial occasions or everyday use exist in great variety.
The designs of these costumes have not remained static with time, either. Over a period of a hundred years for example, many changes have occurred. In the exhibition assembled here, an attempt has been made to show the various types of woven pieces used in Guatemalan Maya society. Utilitarian items, as well as items of clothing have been included and are detailed in the following catalogue. These small textiles have a variety of uses, but are often used to cover things like the contents of a basket.