huipil

The huipil is a traditional garment worn by Indigenous women across Mexico and Central America. The term derives from the Nahuatl huipilli, referring to a women's tunic. Modern huipiles vary in cut, but most are rectangular or slightly trapezoidal pieces worn loose over a skirt or corte, with openings for the head and, in some designs, for the arms.

They are typically handwoven from cotton or wool and decorated with embroidery or supplementary weaving. Colors and motifs are regionally distinctive, often carrying symbolic meanings related to village history, flora, fauna, or cosmology. Necklines vary, typically square, boat-shaped, or rounded.

Regional variation is notable: in Guatemala and the Guatemalan highlands, huipiles are known for dense embroidery and bright palettes; in Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico, huipiles show different weaving techniques and motifs tied to particular communities. Motifs may include geometric patterns, flowers, birds, and suns, reflecting local identity and traditions.

Culturally, the huipil signals identity and community affiliation and is used in ceremonies, festivals, and daily life. Today, artisans continue the tradition through cooperatives and markets, while some communities balance tourist demand with preservation of traditional methods. The garment remains a symbol of cultural heritage and a vital means of sustaining weaving as a communal craft.