Colorful zigzag patterns adorning the top and center of this huipil represent the volcanoes that surround Lake Atitán, particularly the Volcán Tolimán located just west of the town of San Lucas Tolimán that lies on the southeastern shore of the lake. The woven background containing warp (vertical stripes) and weft (horizontal stripes with an intricate checkerboard design) are characteristic of huipiles from this area. Brocade rows of birds and diamond shapes representing flowers are repeated down the length of the huipil creating a lively, energetic design that is characteristic of San Lucas Tolimán itself—it is known for its tourist attractions as well as nature.
The town of 17,000 people is 90-95% Kaqchikel Maya; a population of about the same size lives in the surrounding villages. The area is home to the San Lucas Tolimán Mission, overseen by the Roman Catholic Diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota.
*Please note: this is a pre-order. San Lucas Tolimán Huipil will be delivered in 1 month after confirming your order.
Handmade in San Lucas Tolimán, Sololá by Irma Dora.
Measurements: 22" W x 18" H. It has open sides.
Material: 100% cotton.
ENGLISH: At age seven, Dora began suffering abuse from an adult who lived in her home. At age 11, she started taking jobs as a house cleaner in other people’s homes to avoid the abuse. When she finally told her mother, she didn’t believe her. She married at 18 in order to leave her parents; she had five children but only three survived. She learned a new braiding technique called trenzado, which generated more income for her business, and has seen many positive changes since joining a Friendship Bridge Trust Bank. She likes to participate in different educational training sessions for personal growth, so that she can help her children have better opportunities. Dora also wants victims of abuse and harassment to be heard, believed, and helped.
ESPAÑOL: A los siete años, Dora empezó a sufrir abusos por parte de un adulto que vivía en su casa. A los 11 años, empezó a aceptar trabajos de limpieza en casas ajenas para evitar los abusos. Cuando finalmente se lo contó a su madre, ésta no le creyó. Se casó a los 18 años para dejar a sus padres; tuvo cinco hijos, pero sólo tres sobrevivieron. Aprendió una nueva técnica llamada trenzado, que le generó más ingresos para su negocio, y ha visto muchos cambios positivos desde que se unió a Puente de Amistad. Le gusta participar en diferentes sesiones de formación para el crecimiento personal, para poder ayudar a sus hijos a tener mejores oportunidades. Dora también quiere que las víctimas de abusos y acoso sean escuchadas, creídas y ayudadas.