This magnificent Man’s Ceremonial Head Tzute is woven on a back strap loom in two panels. This Tzute is used by Cofrades (religious brotherhood’s chiefs) to cover their heads during the ceremony; it is part of the ceremonial costume. This piece itself is a very symbolic garment. The white cotton background is finely hand spun. The ceremonial piece shows four selvedge ends. The joining band “Randa” is delicately hand embroidered with silk. Simulating a thicker randa, two vertical mollusc sections are woven on the warp of the tzute. The patterns are woven in the piece’s centre. A representation of two double headed eagles are the main design, decorated with other zoomorphic patterns, such as birds, a monkey, a rooster and a zigzag form which represents the feather serpent.
Age: Approximately woven in the early 1900’s
Ethnic Group: K’iché
Origin: Nahualá, Sololá
Materials: cotton and silk; natural dyes: mollusk
Use: Man’s ceremonial Head Tzute
Technique: Woven on a back strap loom
Size: Approximately 50” x 42”