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
Insignia Cloths From San Pedro Sacatepequez
by Raymond E. Senuk
Let me begin by describing the two textiles before you. Each is made up of a single panel with all selvages finished on a backstrap or stick loom.
Each panel was made into a tube by joining the two sides with a randa. What are they? They are ceremonial textiles that are placed around the pole that holds the insignia or escudo (shield) that alcaldes and mayordomos carry during cofradía ceremonies. Traditionally, this is a sign of respect for the escudo, which requires a ceremonial cloth between it and the human carrying it. I direct you to Krystyna Deuss’ book on cofradía (2018) for photos of men from San Pedro Sacatepéquez carrying escudos. Interestingly, you cannot see the insignia cloths because of the multitudinous ribbons hanging from the escudos.
In this Issue:
- In the Museum
- Virtual Exhibit Showcases Contemporary Art Inspired by Textile Heritage from Guatemala
- Teamwork Makes the Educational Dream Work
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
Elisa Maria Dyer de Fitzpatrick
Maya Fledderjohn
Susan Hurst
Luciana Jabur
Anne Hermann Lamborn
Carlos Nottebohm
Raymond Senuk
Monika Snodgrass
Emeritus
Margot Blum Schevill