Red embroidered overblouse

This overblouse, manufactured in the 1980s, distinguishes Kaqchikel women from Sumpango who are part of the cofradía. The fabric is woven on a backstrap loom using mercerized cotton thread and it is made with decorative seams that are hand embroidered using flat stitch. The floral and geometric motifs on the design on the neck are achieved using backstitch, chain stitch and satin stitch. Traditionally, only older women could wear this garment. Nowadays, young women who attend different cultural and beauty contests have included it as part of their ceremonial attire.