Handbags

Handbags, originally uploaded by PAL1970.

These handbags or purses are handmade from the "huipil" a pure cotton blouse worn by Mayan women. The indigenous dress' colors and designs are specific to each village. Since these hare highly costly and the "westernization" process of our native culture has advanced a lot, mayan people are slowly abandoning their traditional garments.

Guatemalan Textiles

Guatemalan Textiles, originally uploaded by PAL1970.

These are handmade from pure cotton. In the picture you can see mantelpieces, napkins and hotplate holders. Guatemalan indigenous people wear a different type of dress according to the village of their origin. Each village has its colors and designs.

Mascaras

Mascaras, originally uploaded by PAL1970.

Guatemalans of Mayan ascent celebrate religious festivities and happy occasions with a "Baile de Moros", these are representations of various stories, through their eyes. There is the "Baile de la Conquista" (Dance of the Conquest of the Americas), the actual "Baile de Moros" (Moors dance, an actual representation of the Christian liberation of Spain from moor hands) and several stories from the bible. In these dances, the actors, dressed in character, perform their moves and dialog. The dresses include the use of masks, which can take the form of a Mayan Lord, a Spanish Conquistador, a Moor, or the witch counselor. The witch is usually presented as an animal... such as the masks in the image.

The Red Baron

The Red Baron, originally uploaded by PAL1970.

Black Stallion

Black Stallion, originally uploaded by PAL1970.

Hunted Hunter

Hunted Hunter, originally uploaded by PAL1970.

Threesome

Threesome, originally uploaded by PAL1970.