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Mailing List ~ Newsletter>
Tzutes
September 1, 2004
TZUTE
The tzute (in Mayan spelled s'ut) is an important and
traditional part of the Mayan Indian's daily dress. It is
by far the most versatile and individual piece of the Mayan
costume. It's uses range from very utilitarian, such as a
handkerchief or food covering; to the most ceremonial
purposes, both religious and civil. As with most Mayan
textiles, the tzute is village specific. The color,
design, size, and style of weave may vary according to
village. Typically a tzute is rather square in shape with
simple hemmed edges, but it's not at all uncommon for one
to be very long and have fringe as well. Tzutes are worn
by both men and women, and are most commonly seen laying
folded on top of the wearer's head. This provides shelter
from the sun, but can easily be removed for another use.
We have seen tzutes used as a veil for entering church,
used to secure and bundle goods from the market and even
firewood, arranged into a pouch for use a purse, a baby
carrier, folded into a small pad to prevent rubbing on the
back of the neck for carrying a heavy load, a cloth for
wrapping important religious figures and ceremonial staffs,
and so on. As you can see the uses of the tzute are
unlimited!
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