Weaving Materials

Materials

Ixtle

Since pre-Colombian times fibers from the agave plant were used to make cloth. Nowadays, Ixtle is mainly used for rope. In fact, before the invention of synthetic fibers, much of the world's boat rigging rope was made of Ixtle. Two kinds of agave, sisal and pita, are used in different regions. In Yucatan, the agave leaves are hung over a fire, scraped of the pulp, washed and dried, then spun into string.

Cotton

Both white and dark cotton are spun into yarn for Mayan cloth. In ancient times, cotton was expensive and used mainly for ceremonial costumes. Today, cotton is used in all types of weaving.

Wool

Sheep were introduced to Mexico in the 16th century, and Maya spinning and weaving practices expanded to include wool.

Synthetics

Mayan weavings are sometimes created with synthetic yarn because it is inexpensive.

Spinning

The malacatl is used for spinning cotton and wool. The spindle is a thin wooden rod, pointed on both ends with a stone whorl on the lower end. The weighted end of the spindle is placed into a dried gourd to keep it in place. The woman holds the fiber in one hand and uses the other to turn the spindle. The tread is gradually wound onto the spindle. A faster method using two wooden or bicycle wheels is also employed to spin thread.