Xelajú Huipil

Quetzaltenango, also known as Xelajú or Xela, is the second most important city in Guatemala because it has a high economic and production level, is currently considered one of the main cities of Guatemala due to the industrial and commercial activity that takes place there. The typical huipil of Quetzaltenango differs from other huipils of the country, it is thick due to the cold that represents living here. Quetzaltenango has certain sacred symbols, which have meaning and a history in the huipil, which could not be altered. It is conformed by three traditional Mayan colors, which mean: Red: the blood spilled by wars, and the blood of the ancestors. Yellow: corn, the color of life, rays of the sun. Purple: suffering, pain. The huipil is adorned with flowers, stars, and various bird designs. This huipil is very characteristic of this place because it is specially designed by the people who inhabit this beautiful place. This huipil is a ceremonial huipil.

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

Handmade in Quetzaltenango by María.

Measurements: 28" W, 26" H.

Material: 100% cotton.

ENGLISH: Until age 12, María worked with her mother cleaning and preparing cocoa for her chocolate business, just like her siblings. At 18, she married a hardworking farmer and started a family, and has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. She started a business raising chicken and pigs and later decided to learn embroidery and tied work (a textile technique). She also has a chocolate business and runs a corn mill, which is managed by her son. “I am an enterprising woman…I do a little bit of everything because I like to get ahead,” María says.

ESPAÑOL: Hasta los 12 años, María trabajó con su madre limpiando y preparando cacao para su negocio de chocolate, al igual que sus hermanos. A los 18 años, se casó con un agricultor muy trabajador y formó una familia, y siempre ha tenido un espíritu emprendedor. Empezó un negocio de crianza de pollos y cerdos y más tarde decidió aprender a bordar y a hacer lazos (una técnica textil). También tiene un negocio de chocolates y dirige un molino de maíz, que gestiona su hijo. “Soy una mujer emprendedora... hago un poco de todo porque me gusta salir adelante”, dice María.