Man's cloak (Capixay) 1960

This Man's cloak, or Capixay, now at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, was made by the Maya people, its date unknown. Imagine the cloak-maker's hands, the careful selection of dark wool and the rhythmic push and pull of the needle, stitching the cloth into being. I wonder about the first stitch, the first intention. What considerations were they taking as they added the colorful embroidery? The texture of the cloak, with its decorative fringes, contrasts with the smooth, dark surface of the woven material. It must have taken time and meticulous labor to create the pattern that trims the edges and forms the central motif. The cloak is both functional and beautiful, suggesting a desire for warmth and protection. The colors, though muted, add vibrancy and depth to the overall design. It reminds me that clothing is a deeply embodied and sensory experience, a conversation between material and maker, tradition and innovation.