Maya Adventure
The Maya of Chenalho
Maya of Chenalho
Located along the banks of a stream at the base of a steep
valley, the community of San Pedro Chenalho is a major market center for
the Tzotzil Maya. With San Andres, it is also one of the centers of the
Central Highlands Style, defined by the bold red and blue diamond motif on
the breast and back and by the densely packed representational designs on
the sleeves and shoulders. Although the ceremonial huipil of Chenalho has
remained virtually unchanged for over a century, the shawl and daily blouse
have become the focus for design innovations. Such patterns as holy cross,
dog's paw, and saint now float across the shawl, while the once simple work around the neck and hem of the daily blouse has grown more ornate.
Science Museum of Minnesota