[tinaedmond]

Hello everyone

I don't know a whole lot about huipiles yet. Is there one for Coatepeque? That is where our daughter was born, and I would like to purchase one for her on the pickup trip. I want to get her one for now (to wear at showers!) and one for when she is older.

Also, does anyone know how far of a drive Coatepeque is from Guat city? Anyone familiar with the city?

Tina
waiting for Alexandra, born 11/18/01
in PGN finally 12/17/02
kicked out with one previo, resubmitted last week. Hoping for good news soon!

[Bitsy]

I am curious.....what exactly is a huipiles?

I'm sorry I can't help you, but I hope you find what you are looking for.

[tinaedmond]

Kristen

The link doesn't seem to be working?

Bitsy

From what I understand, a huipile is a traditional outfit worn by women in Guatemala. There are different designs for the different Mayan tribes/cities.

Tina

[Chrysanthemum]

Sorry, I typed it in just as it says. Do a search for Terra Experience. Let me know....I was just checking out the site myself.

[CaterinaAntonia]

Huipiles are traditional hand-woven garments worn by Guatemalan women. THey are a very "communicative" part of their clothing. The Huipil identifies the wearer's village, her marital status, her religious beliefs, wealth, and personality. A well-woven huipil may last between 20 to 30 years.

Hope this helps you all .

Cat--Canary Island native, Spanish Teacher with a minor in Latin American studies, who really need to refresh her knowledge of Guatemalan culture, history, politics....

[Mically]

More specifically, a huipile is the shirt that Mayan women wear. It is typically combined with a wrap skirt which is then tightly belted. In the past the women would go barefoot, but now many wear sandals.

The textiles that make up the huipiles vary from region to region. My favorite kind comes from the town of Santa Catarina Polopo' which situated on Atitlan. Their huipiles are a stunning blue, which reflect the waters of the lake.

Coatepeque is a suburb (municipalidad) of the city of Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela. Xela is the second largest city in Guatemala and is known for its cold weather, thermal baths, and a very tall looming volcano. I have driven through the area of Coatepeque on a trip to Xela, it takes approximately 3.5-4.5 hours from Guatemala City, depending on traffic. If you visit I would stay in Xela, for lodging I recommend Casa Manen.

You can check it out on a map if you follow this link--
http://www.geocities.com/coatepecano...ALTENANGO.html

Cheers,
Mically

[JuliannaTeresa]

It would be very pretty to wear either to her Shower, or possibly Baptism!

That is a nice idea!

[szumbiel]

If you visit Antigua, there is a weaver who has a shop outside of town called Carolina's. She is a well known weaver and teaches many of the local girls to weave. You can visit her shop and see her work. She has a room filled with huipiles and woven skirts. They will also dress you up in the traditional dress. It is quite fun and a good photo opportunity. She has them traditional to many areas of Guatemala and a map to help you. I have gone to the shop each time I visit and love it. It is one of my favorites. You may find something here. Good luck.

I am attaching a photo from one of the women weaving at Carolina's. I blocked out the face as I am uncomfortable posting photo's of recognizable people without them knowing. Youc an see the traditonal dress she is wearing.

Sonya, mom to Marty

[Kesti]

Here is a website that was mentioned earlier that you can order hupils by village.

http://www.terraexperience.com/p_products.html#Huipils

Also, here is a website that also has hupils. If you want them to they will go to the village that you request and take pictures and you can also have them buy you a hupil if they are made there.

http://www.happymangoimports.com/page/page/563772.htm

This is posted on the happymanoimports website. This is how you pronounce hupil.

"huipil (wee-PEEL)"

Kesti