MAYAN TEXTILES
Intertwined’s collection of Mayan textiles is rooted in centuries-old weaving traditions from Guatemala. Each piece—whether a huipil, corte, faja, or tzute—is handwoven using techniques passed down through generations. These textiles are more than beautiful fabrics; they carry stories of identity, community, and craftsmanship.
At Intertwined: Handmade for Good, we work directly with artisans and partners in Guatemala to thoughtfully source and repurpose these textiles into one-of-a-kind pieces, honoring their history while giving them new life.
A huipil (pronounced wee-peel) is a traditional handwoven blouse worn by Mayan women in Guatemala. Each huipil is created on a backstrap loom and can take weeks—or even months—to complete. The designs, colors, and motifs often reflect the weaver’s village, making each piece a form of cultural identity.
At Intertwined, we source vintage huipiles and work with artisan partners to transform them into one-of-a-kind bags and home goods. By repurposing these textiles, we help preserve traditional weaving while creating modern pieces designed to be used and loved for years to come.
The Blouse
Huipil
Backstrap Loom
Most Guatemalan huipiles are woven on a backstrap loom, one of the oldest weaving techniques still in use today. The loom is simple in structure—anchored at one end to a post or tree and secured at the other around the weaver’s back. By shifting her body, the weaver controls the tension of the threads, becoming physically connected to the textile as it takes shape.
This method requires incredible skill and patience. Every thread is placed by hand, and complex patterns are created without the use of modern machinery. At Intertwined, the vintage huipiles we source—and thoughtfully repurpose into one-of-a-kind bags and home goods—are usually woven using this traditional technique, preserving both the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind each piece.
One-of-a-Kind Pieces from Mayan Huipiles
Each vintage Mayan huipil is transformed into everyday bags, travel bags, pillows, and framed textiles—blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design. No two are alike, making each piece a truly unique work of functional art.
The Skirt
Corte
A corte is a long, handwoven textile traditionally worn as a wrap skirt by Mayan women. Woven on foot looms, cortes are often made using the jaspe (ikat) technique, where threads are dyed before weaving to create intricate patterns. For more information about japse, visit What is Ikat (Japse) or check out our blog post all about it (The Wonder of Handwoven Textiles - Jaspe).
Intertwined’s cotton corte blankets are crafted from vintage cortes, carefully selected and reimagined into versatile, heirloom-quality pieces. Each blanket carries the character of its previous life while offering a new way to experience these textiles in your home.
Cortes are also used for our napkins, aprons, some pillow covers, and even some bags.
PEDAL LOOM
A pedal loom, sometimes called a foot loom, is a large wooden loom operated by both hand and foot. The weaver presses pedals to lift and lower the warp threads, then guides the weft thread across the loom to build the textile row by row.
In Guatemala, pedal looms are often used to create wider handwoven textiles, including traditional cortes, striped cotton fabrics, table linens, and other long lengths of fabric. The process requires rhythm, strength, and precision—especially when weaving jaspe, the Guatemalan form of ikat, where the pattern is dyed into the threads before the fabric is woven.
Blankets, Napkins & More Made From Cortes
The Belt
Faja
A faja is a handwoven belt used to secure a corte at the waist. Despite its size, the faja plays an essential role in traditional dress and is often richly detailed with symbolic patterns.
At Intertwined, fajas are sometimes incorporated into our pillow and framed textile designs or highlighted as examples of the intricate skill and artistry found in even the smallest Mayan textiles.
The Shawl
Tzute
A tzute is one of the most versatile textiles in Mayan culture. Traditionally used as a ceremonial shawl, it is also used to carry goods, cover food. Tzutes are both practical and meaningful.
Intertwined occasionally sources vintage tzutes and incorporates them into one-of-a-kind home décor and accessories, celebrating their adaptability and craftsmanship.