Cofrade from Comalapa, Chimaltenango

As they arrived in America, the conquistadores introduced new materials, such as the silk they brought from Asia, and the wool produced by sheep they had imported from Spain. Specialized artisans were in charge of spinning wool fibers using a spinning wheel known in the country as “rueda redina”. They wove the fabrics on a treadle loom of European origin and made the garments for the conquistadores (capisayos or capixayes, split trousers, jackets, capes, among others). Local men rapidly learned to produce European style garments, some of which they integrated as part of their own dress and which are still used in the male ceremonial attire.