Arpillera in the form of a child’s backpack
This exquisite little embroidered and appliquéd textile is typical of those made with a Guatemalan woven-fabric background. I was delighted to see the scene which includes a flowering Saguaro cactus, an alpaca, flowers, and happy sun and drops of rain descending from a cloud. There is also a girl who is wrapped in cloth that has blue anchors on a white ground. For centuries, the anchor symbol has stood for Christ himself, among Christians.
Indeed the women who make small wall quilts with similar (raised) figures may feel in need of socorro from above. You see, many of their husbands are among those taken away during the night, never to return home, imprisoned and tortured for their political beliefs. There are so many of these kidnappings, the men are referred to simply as “los desaparecidos” – literally, “the disappeared ones.” The women are left to eek out a meager subsistence through their needlework. Ironically, with needle and thread, they always “paint” a picture of earth as a happy place with gardens, trees, and the perpetual sun, as well as people and animals.
I came across this example in an antiques store (although it is NOT an antique) and count myself lucky to have found it. I treasure products that show the resourcefulness of women in the face of almost unsurpassable adversity. This item seems to have never been “used.” For now, I will collect it, pondering every stitch in full appreciation of this piece of folk art.
Pat
