EXPOSITION: Museo Ixchel del Traje Indigena

Technical director and curator Violeta Gutiérrez and a group of dedicated professionals at the Museo Ixchel del Traje Indigena have worked tirelessly setting up a new exhibit—Exposición cofradía: textura y color—which will open to the public on April 19.

Nebaj, Quiche, Cofradía (photo: Armando Mazariegos)

The Museo Ixchel is committed to protecting and preserving Guatemala’s heritage as embodied in the rich textile traditions of indigenous dress. As part of the Museo’s dedication to helping and supporting specific traditions, which due to time commitments and lack of financial resources are at risk of disappearing, we decided to dedicate a special exhibition to the ceremonial pieces of cofradías.

San Miguel Chichaj, Baja Verapaz (photo: Armando Mazariegos)

In addition to being beautiful, the pieces show the love and dedication of those who produce them. It is during special occasions that the most beautiful huipiles and elaborate attires are worn, and we plan to showcase these pieces from the collection.

Traditionally, cofradías are generally the best source of information about each respective community. They are the guardians of the wisdom, ethnography and promotion of the principles and values of the Mayan culture. It is our hope that this new exhibit will awaken in those who visit it a renewed interest in this very rich Guatemalan tradition.

Sumpango, Sacatepéquez (photo: Armando Mazariegos)

To think about cofradías is to think about mysticism, tradition and syncretism. Cofrades have a commitment and a strong tie to their community, and the influence is felt in all aspects of its life. It is a tradition that can be perceived with all the senses, which is exactly what we seek to achieve with the exhibition.

In devoting this new space to cofradías, we acknowledge their cultural and historical importance, and in so doing, reiterate our deep commitment to supporting the traditions that cofrades continue to carry on generation after generation.

The exhibit opens at April 19 at Museo Ixchel, 6a calle final, zone 10, in Guatemala City.

REVUE article by Maya Fledderjohn, president of the board of directors for the Museo Ixchel del Traje Indigena  museoixchel.org