Cloth (tzute) c. early 20th century

silk, textile, cotton

pattern heavy

natural stone pattern

naturalistic pattern

silk

textile

geometric pattern

abstract pattern

organic pattern

repetition of pattern

pattern repetition

cotton

textile design

layered pattern

This vibrantly colored "Cloth (tzute)" from the early 20th century, created by Maya artisans, is a testament to the rich textile traditions of the region. The red background is enlivened by rows of intricately woven stylized animal figures, including birds, horses and jaguars, executed in a palette of purple, yellow and white. This finely crafted piece, now housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, showcases the technical skill and aesthetic sensibility of the Maya weavers.