Century of Color: Maya Weaving & Textiles (English)

The highlands of Guatemala radiate brilliantly colored clothing and artisan products. Gustavus Eisen’s 1902 collection of photographs and textiles at the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, University of California/Berkeley, provides a starting point to examine Maya weaving during the ensuing decades. Interwoven with examples through the century and stunning footage of present day Maya, this documentary shows the effects of cultural change brought about by: the recent 36-year Civil War; introduction of Spanish language in rural schools; proliferation of mass media; increased tourism and artisan organizations; changes in the role of women; pressure from a globalized world economy; and, importation of vast quantities of cheap, new and used clothing. This documentary was produced by the educational nonprofit Endangered Threads Documentaries, and runs 53 minutes.