Shirt (camisa)
Object name
Date made
20th century
Place made
Description
Brightly coloured embroidered men's shirt (camisa), made in Guatemala in the 20th century.
Content description
This men's shirt, called a 'camisa' in Spanish, was made in Guatemala in the 20th century. It is made of multicoloured, striped cotton produced on a backstrap loom, a typical method of textile production in Guatemala. The front and back of the shirt are both embroidered along the top half. Cotton threads in pink, green, blue, purple, orange, and white are used to create three lines of pattern: a line of six-pointed stars, a line of interwoven stripes, and a line of chevrons. An embroidered zigzag pattern adorns the shoulders of the open neck shirt. The neck is embellished with two lines of stem stitches. Near the top of each sleeve is a band of pattern, with a series of interwoven stripes made of interlocking blocks of satin stitches, flanked by a border of triangles and inverted triangles.
Guatemalan woven and embroidered textiles are often bright and richly patterned. Designs, weaving techniques, and materials vary from community to community within the country. This shirt was purchased in Guatemala in 1980.
Guatemalan woven and embroidered textiles are often bright and richly patterned. Designs, weaving techniques, and materials vary from community to community within the country. This shirt was purchased in Guatemala in 1980.
Dimensions
width: 93cm
height: 74cm
height: 74cm
Materials
Stitches
Motifs
Credit line
Gift of Dr Susanna Blackshaw in honour of Ada Reynolds Blackshaw, 2016.
Catalogue number
COL.2016.16
Other numbers
RSN 2207 A
© Royal School of Needlework