Trajé Maya Textile Artistry

This exhibition featured the Travis Doering Collection of textiles and related artifacts from 40 villages in the Guatemala highlands. Trajé, or traditional dress, has deep cultural significance to the Maya people.  The tradition of weaving and use of symbolism has been passed from mothers to daughters for hundreds of years and supports the legacy of craftsmanship that defines the Guatemalan Maya culture.  Traditional dress is primarily still worn by women and includes colorful backstrap loom-woven huipiles (blouses), cortes (skirts), cintas (headdresses), rebozzos (shawls), and fajas (belts), examples of which are mounted in the gallery for public viewing.  

 

Green Traje embroidery
traje garment
Red Traje Garment

 

Featured in inRegister Magazine

The Trajé Maya Textile Artistry exhibit was featured in the inRegister Magazine article "A Day in the Life of the Arts: 2021" in its April 2021 issue as the Textile and Costume Museum mounted the exhibition in preparation for the August opening. Read the inRegister article.

Mrs. Pam Vinci working on a display case.
Close up of Traje weaving on a loom. 
Close up of Traje weaving.
Traje inspired clothing in display case.

Dr. Casey Stannard working on display.
Curator Pam Vinci and Dr. Casey Stannard working on exhibit. 
Graduate Student Alexis Forestier working on exhibit.
Group working on putting together the Traje exhibit.

  Photos by Jordan Hefler for inRegister Magazine 

Visit from Billy Nungesser, Lt. Governor of Louisiana

On July 22nd, 2021, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungessor visited the brand new exhibition space to see the Trajé Maya Textile Artistry exhibit up close. He chose to visit the museum as part of his Visit Baton Rouge initiative. He met with the TCM Board and discussed ways to support the museum and increase visitation by the public. 

Lt. Gov Group Photo

Pictured from left to right: Jeanne Triche, Beth Phillips, Curator Pamela Vinci, Lt. Governor Nungesser, Dr. Jenna Kuttruff, Joy Smith, Dusty Manson, and Erica Woolard

Exhibit Photo
Photo of Board with Lt. Governor

 

TCM Board welcomes Lt. Governor in new exhibition space lobby.
Dr. Kuttruff explaining exhibition piece.

Traje Wearable Art Exhibition