INDIGO PONCHO

Singular Piece. Long serape made on a backstrap loom by artisan Petra Rivera Estrada, in Hueyapan, Morelos. Textile composed of two joined pieces, whose width corresponds to the waist of the artisan herself, thus leaving her signature on this piece. It was hand-spun and underwent a process of five indigo dyeings to achieve its final blue hue.

Unique piece resulting from more than five months of dedication and hard work, which celebrates traditional techniques and the talent of an expert craftswoman.

The backstrap loom is assembled by tying the ends of the warp to two pieces of wood or sticks called joules that support the fabric and define the width. The upper end of the loom is tied to a tree, while the other is held at the waist with a mecapal, a type of sash that the weaver holds with her waist to tension the loom. From a constant coming and going of alternating threads, rectangular canvases emerge that widen through joints or rounds.

The basic forms of the designs are the representation of anthropomorphic, zoomorphic and phytomorphic figures. These garments are works of art that treasure the ideology and worldview of the weavers, and transmit a cultural expression of the community to which they belong.

Unique piece handmade by Petra Rivera Estrada, in Hueyapan, Morelos.
Craft technique: backstrap loom.
Preparation time: 5 months.
Material: 100% lamb wool.
Size: 100 x 210 cm.
Approximate weight: 760 g.
Care: Hand wash with cold water. Do not use whitener.