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Mailing List ~ Newsletter>
Fajas and Cintas
January 1, 2004
FAJAS & CINTAS
A very important part of the Mayan Indian’s traditional
dress includes both the faja and the cinta, commonly
referred to simply as “sashes”. Each play a very different
role in the Mayan dress, whether for daily use or
ceremonial purposes. A “FAJA” is a belt, worn wrapped one
or more times around the waist and then tied, used to
secure the women's skirts or the men’s trousers. They are
produced in a variety of widths and types of weave, though
typically a man’s sash is wider than a woman’s. In
addition to utilitarian purposes the sash can identify not
only the person’s village, but social status as well. Many
villages tend to have their own unique type motif, weave
and style in which it is worn. The “CINTA” is a hair
ribbon of sorts which is worn by the Mayan woman. A
section of the cinta is woven or braided through the hair
and the remainder is wrapped around the head. This is not
only decorative, but serves to contain the women’s long
hair, which is prized in Mayan society. Most fajas and
cinta are hand woven on a backstrap loom. Depending on the
village and/or the weaver the sash might be very simple or
very intricate. Some designs are done with brocade and
some are hand embroidered. A variety of fibers are used,
most are cotton, but also employed are wool, silk,
synthetics and even maguey, which is derived from a native
plant. Fajas and cintas are truly a work of art. They
display the inclination of the individual wearer or weaver
in regard to color, design and quality. As with all of the
traditional Mayan clothing the production of the sash is a
dying art. We are fortunate to be able to possess and
enjoy these special textiles before they are gone.
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