Guatemalan Striped Shawl

This shawl or “perraje” is from the 19th century, judging by the color. It would have been woven by women on a backstrap loom. Backstrap looms have been traditionally used in Mayan culture from 600-800 AD, and are still used today. Shawls such as this one would be worn by a woman and used as a garment, but also wrapped to hold groceries or children.