Woman's skirt (Corte) c. 20th century

This woman's skirt, or "corte," was handwoven by Maya artists, and the process really shines through. The vibrant reds and oranges aren’t just colors; they're like feelings woven into the fabric. I'm drawn to the texture, you know? It's not smooth and flat like a machine made thing. Instead, there are all these little bumps and ridges that catch the light and create subtle patterns within the larger design. If you look closely, you can almost see the individual threads intertwining, telling a story of patience and skill. There’s a certain kind of beauty in that kind of handmade, human touch. Thinking about the piece, I'm reminded of Anni Albers, who similarly elevated textiles to fine art. It's a testament to how art is a conversation across time and cultures. There’s no one way to read this skirt, which is its own kind of power.