This extraordinary hand embroidered piece is a ceremonial Veil called “Paya”. Consists of one paneled cotton fabric, hand embroidered and used as a ceremonial head veil during the celebrations of weddings or Cofradía ceremonies. Patzún is one of the few towns where the paya is used as a veil for women. Another characteristic is that the embroidery is made by men. This piece has different symbols and each of them represent a special element such as: nine half-moons which belong to the nine months of pregnancy; six double headed eagles representing duality; Venus the most bright star in coordination with the sun; three sections of leaves representing the tree of life; two jaguars at each end symbolizing royalty; four birds or doves to send the messages to the sky; beneath both jaguars a figure of a monstrance (a catholic figure) symbolizing the sun – the center of the universe; a symmetric cross which indicates the four corners of the universe. A group of three silk tassels hang on one side.
Age: Approximately woven in the 1940’s.
Ethnic Group: Kakchiquel
Origin: Patzún, Chimaltenango.
Materials: cotton and silk
Use: ceremonial veil
Technique: hand embroidered
Size: Approximately 18.5" x 18.5"