About Friends of the Ixchel Museum
Friends of the Ixchel Museum (FOIM) is a U.S. charitable foundation established in 1984 that promotes interest in the Mayan textile tradition of Guatemala and the work of the Museo Ixchel. In this way, it contributes to the understanding, preservation and protection of this important cultural legacy.
FOIM is made up of Guatemalan and North American volunteers who share an interest in Guatemala and their commitment to increase appreciation of Mayan textile art.
Every year, the Friends sponsor publications and projects both in the U.S. and in Guatemala. Among them are educational programs, ethnographic research and photographic documentation in several communities, as well as the classification and cataloging of the museum’s collections of textiles and photographs. It has also made possible the English translation and publication of several of the museum’s works, the production of videotapes in Spanish and English, and a Spanish language activity book for children.
Its work to publicize and promote Guatemalan textiles includes putting on exhibits in the United States and publishing a biannual newsletter describing both FOIM activities and those of the museum.
The Museum itself is located in Guatemala City. A short and engaging overview can be found in an article in Revue Magazine (May 2017 issue). For more information, see the ‘Museum Highlights’ section of this website.
Friends of the Ixchel Museum Current Bulletin
A Tale of Two Threads
Our target textile for this article is a ceremonial servilleta or tzute from San Juan Alotenango, a good-sized community just southwest of Antigua.
San Juan Alotenango is an indigenous Kaqchiquel town, which once had a flourishing textile tradition that is not particularly well represented in museum and private collections. The textile was acquired at a for-sale museum called Museo Casa del Tejido Antiguo formerly located in Antigua but currently in San Antonio Aguas Calientes. The shop tends to have strength in its holdings from nearby communities.
In this issue:
- A Tale of Two Threads
- In The Museum
- Weaving Co-Op In Warp Speed
- Instagram Challenge
- Bay Area Gathering Showcases Textiles
- Bequest From Leslie Grace Estate
Read the full article below, or download to read in full.
President’s Letter
Be sure to read the latest Letter from our President!
Board of Directors
President
Ana-Maria V. Zaugg
Vice-President
Yolanda Alcorta
Secretary
Susan M. de Riojas
Treasurer (Acting)
Loa P. Traxler
Board
Chase Davis
Shannon Davis
Emilie de Brigard
Amy DiPlacido
Elisa Maria Dyer de Fitzpatrick
Maya Fledderjohn
Susan Hurst
Luciana Jabur
Anne Hermann Lamborn
Carlos Nottebohm
Raymond Senuk
Monika Snodgrass
Emeritus
Margot Blum Schevill