Expand your appreciation for original, symbolic weaving with the Pez (Fish) Throw Pillow, a testament to the artistry of weavers. Guatemala is renowned for the intricate animal motifs featured in their huipiles, where each figure carries cultural significance and reflects a deep connection to nature. Woven on a backstrap loom, this design is more than representation—it is an artistic interpretation of the world as seen through the weavers’ eyes. Every thread captures the essence of their surroundings, blending tradition with personal expression to create a piece that is both meaningful and visually striking. This particular design serves as an homage to Regan’s love of the open water, translated through traditional Maya techniques into a fluid, symbolic form.
This pillow features the brocade technique, where the weaver lifts each warp thread individually with her finger and places a supplementary weft thread in a contrasting color to create the animal shape. Row by row, she adjusts the threads she selects, resulting in a pattern that can only be seen once she has woven the full figure. She does this by memory—she doesn’t hand sketch the design first. Instead, she draws on physical samples from other textiles in her village, handed down over generations, to inspire the animal shapes that follow her imagination and hand.
The playful pom pom tassels that finish the piece are handmade in Guatemala as well—crafted by Irma using winding yarn tightly around a template, then carefully trimming and shaping each pom to achieve its soft, full form. Often made in bright colors and used in traditional dress and decor, these tassels add a joyful, textural element to the pillow that celebrates both heritage and handwork.
PRODUCTION TIME: 19 Hours
Expand your appreciation for original, symbolic weaving with the Pez (Fish) Throw Pillow, a testament to the artistry of weavers. Guatemala is renowned for the intricate animal motifs featured in their huipiles, where each figure carries cultural significance and reflects a deep connection to nature. Woven on a backstrap loom, this design is more than representation—it is an artistic interpretation of the world as seen through the weavers’ eyes. Every thread captures the essence of their surroundings, blending tradition with personal expression to create a piece that is both meaningful and visually striking. This particular design serves as an homage to Regan’s love of the open water, translated through traditional Maya techniques into a fluid, symbolic form.
This pillow features the brocade technique, where the weaver lifts each warp thread individually with her finger and places a supplementary weft thread in a contrasting color to create the animal shape. Row by row, she adjusts the threads she selects, resulting in a pattern that can only be seen once she has woven the full figure. She does this by memory—she doesn’t hand sketch the design first. Instead, she draws on physical samples from other textiles in her village, handed down over generations, to inspire the animal shapes that follow her imagination and hand.
The playful pom pom tassels that finish the piece are handmade in Guatemala as well—crafted by Irma using winding yarn tightly around a template, then carefully trimming and shaping each pom to achieve its soft, full form. Often made in bright colors and used in traditional dress and decor, these tassels add a joyful, textural element to the pillow that celebrates both heritage and handwork.
PRODUCTION TIME: 19 Hours
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