Red Blouse with Diamond Motif, Chiapas

From the Chiapas highlands village of Magdalena Aldama, this back-strap loom woven blouse is an eye-popping red.  The design is not embroidered, it is woven into the cloth using a labor intensive technique called supplementary weft. The diamond pattern represents the center of the universe, and the stylized frogs signal the coming of rain, so important for growing crops like corn, beans, and squash in indigenous cultures. This is from one of our favorite cooperatives that we visit on the Chiapas Textile Study Tour. The blouse is the same front and back! It measures 25″ wide and 26″ long. 100% cotton. Machine washable on gentle with mild detergent. Hang to dry.

To come with us to Chiapas in 2026, send us an email to get on the interested list. norma.schafer@icloud.com