Ixb’alamke Comité de Mujered Tejedoras is a group of weavers associated with the Samac Agricultural Cooperative just outside Cobán. They weave an ancient style called Pikb’il in Q’eqchi’, the local Maya language. Using a back strap loom with starched cotton threads in a spaced weave and supplementary weft brocade designs, they produce elegant, diaphanous textiles.
Rosalía Xol Xol, a widow from the 36-year civil war, weaves an ancient style called Pikb'il. The woven designs of ducks and stars are made by supplementary weft brocading. Photo by Jonathan Tharin 2005.
María Elena Xol Ae weaves in the Pikb'il style. The huipil or blouse she wears, however, is machine made and purchased in a market. Her corte or skirt is jaspe or ikat, in which the threads are tied and dyed prior to weaving. Photo by Margot Blum Schevill 2005.