Since pre-Columbian times, backstrap weaving has represented a form of artistic expression and cultural identity. Through the use of traje (traditional clothing), the Maya, especially the women, make a personal statement of individuality within their community. Nim Po't is committed to the preservation of the Maya cultural heritage by documenting the evolution of Guatemalan textiles.

The GARMENT pages describe the integral elements of Maya traje while the VILLAGE pages explain the evolution of the various techniques, materials, patterns, and symbols unique to each village. At the foot of each village page is a table of clickable thumbnails of individual garments that link to ITEM PAGES that describe the vintage, condition, materials, and design motifs of every item, thus providing a greater cultural context in which these textiles were conceived, allowing for comparative analysis.

This is the interactive information center on the subject for scholars, collectors and virtual visitors. The mission is to systematically examine native costumes on a village-by-village basis and develop the material into the comprehensive encyclopedia of Maya costumes. Your criticisms and contributions are solicited via the feedback page. We are also seeking interns to assist in this documentation and research.