Tzoloj Ya' Huipil

Embroidered flowers on the Tzoloj Ya’ huipil represent flora of the Guatemalan department of Sololá (Tzoloj Ya’ is the region’s pre-Columbian name), including the flowering tree, Chinese hibiscus; the evergreen shrub, Madagascar periwinkle; and the purple-blossomed sprawling shrub known as Golden dewdrops. Embroidered birds near the center represent the many species of birds common to the area. However, the part of the huipil that is most traditional to Sololá is the striped bodice. To create this look, yarn is tie-dyed before being woven (an elaborate technique known as Jaspe or Ikat)—a process that is known in indigenous textile communities around the world. Guatemala’s Jaspe technique is one of the more difficult to weave, and is a defining element of both men and women’s clothing in Sololá.

A large percentage of current residents of Sololá continue to wear traditional Mayan clothing—more so than in other nearby regions—which would include this design for women’s huipiles. Almost all residents of Sololá are Kaqchikel Maya, with some K'iche' Maya. The area is known for its brightly colored buildings and a vibrant artisan marketplace surrounding Lake Atitlán, similar to the brightly colored huipil itself.  Today, Sololá is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Guatemala and also one of the safest for visitors.

*Please note: this is a pre-order. Tzoloj Ya' Huipil will be delivered in 1 month after confirming your order. 

Handmade in Sololá by Candelaria.

Measurements: 23" W x 18.5" H when folded. It has open sides

Material: 100% cotton.

ENGLISH: Candelaria, 36, lived most of her life in the small town of Peña Blanca in the department of Sololá. The fourth of 11 children, she remembers a childhood filled with love and care from both her parents and grandparents, and she worked to help support her large family. As a teenager, she worked at neighbors’ farms, making approximately $1.30 per day. At 20, she was hired to work in a tortilla factory, which is where she met her husband. She married at 34 and now has one young daughter, and currently lives with her husband’s family. In 2018, she joined Handmade by Friendship Bridge®. Her goal is to continue growing her textile business so she and her husband can save enough to build their own house.

ESPAÑOL: Candelaria, de 36 años, ha vivido la mayor parte de su vida en el pequeño pueblo de Peña Blanca, en el departamento de Sololá. Es la cuarta de 11 hermanos y recuerda una infancia llena de amor y cuidados por parte de sus padres y abuelos. Trabajó para ayudar a mantener a su numerosa familia. De adolescente, trabajó en las granjas de los vecinos, ganando aproximadamente 1,30 dólares al día. A los 20 años fue contratada para trabajar en una fábrica de tortillas, donde conoció a su marido. Se casó a los 34 años y ahora tiene una hija pequeña. Actualmente vive con la familia de su marido. En el 2018, se unió a Handmade by Friendship Bridge®. Su objetivo es seguir haciendo crecer su negocio textil para que ella y su marido puedan ahorrar lo suficiente para construir su propia casa.