Pasmolón Huipil

The design of the Pasmolón huipil reflects the rural, subtropical cloud forest environment (a high-altitude rainforest) in which the indigenous Maya of the area were constantly immersed. Unique diamond shapes represent the universe and the stars that inhabitants of this unpopulated area would clearly have seen. Living among wild animals and trees was part of daily life, and the reason for these symbols in the design. 

Little has been written about Pasmolón specifically. Located in the department of Alta Verapaz near the city of Tactic, the area today is known for its hiking trails. Starting with the arrival of  Catholic religious leaders in 1536, by 1547, the town known as “Tierra de Guerra” (land of war) was renamed “Vera Paz” (true peace) by Catholic leaders, not as an effort to achieve actual peace, but with the goal to trying to “civilize” (in their view) the indigenous Maya. Further disconnect between the indigenous people and their culture occurred at the end of the 19th century when Germans settled in the area, establishing schools and other places in which they would feel at home. For the Maya, these experiences made having clothing that represented their culture all the more important to maintain a connection to their heritage.

*Please note: this is a pre-order. Pasmolón Huipil will be delivered in 2.5 months after confirming your order. 

Handmade in Pasmolón, Cobán by Elvira.

Measurements: 35.5" W x 16" H.

Material: 100% cotton.

ENGLISH: Elvira, from the Mayan Q’eqchi’ ethnic group, is originally from a rural community of Tactic in Alta Verapaz, in the northern region of Guatemala. She speaks her native language Q’eqchi’ as well as Poqomchi’, and very little Spanish. After losing her mother at age 15, Elvira and her eight siblings began taking care of themselves. Now a single woman at 36, she shares a house with three of her sisters and one brother. Her dream is to grow her textile business and open a small convenience store. “I have high hopes for [Friendship Bridge],” Elvira says. “I hope to be able to progress both in my business and in my personal life.”

ESPAÑOL: Elvira, de la etnia maya Q’eqchi’, es originaria de una comunidad rural de Tactic en Alta Verapaz, en la región norte de Guatemala. Habla su lengua materna, el q’eqchi’, y el poqomchi’, y muy poco español. Tras perder a su madre a los 15 años, Elvira y sus ocho hermanos empezaron a cuidar de sí mismos. Ahora, soltera a los 36 años, comparte casa con tres de sus hermanas y un hermano. Su sueño es hacer crecer su negocio textil y abrir una pequeña tienda de conveniencia. “Tengo grandes esperanzas en [Friendship Bridge]”, dice Elvira. “Espero poder progresar tanto en mi negocio como en mi vida personal”.