On this journey of learning and discovery, we visit the Chiapas lowlands and highlands as we learn of the connection and continuity between the past and present Maya, as evidenced through their textile traditions. By examining the walls / murals of Bonampak and the fabulous lintels at Yaxchilan, we can see the connection of the ancient Maya to the living Maya in the Chiapas highlands. Traveling to San Cristobal de Las Casas, we visit nearby communities of Chamula, Zinacantan, Tenejapa, Cancuc, Magdalenas and Larrainzar to learn of motif and cosmology of the highland Maya, as they express their inner beliefs on cloth and identify themselves to the world through their unique community dress. Textile experts, artisans and collectors form part of this extraordinary journey.

• Learn of Maya design motifs and text used in weavings
• Travel to the Highland Villages to meet the weavers and learn of their traditions and techniques
• Walk the streets of San Cristobal to identify design motifs in architecture
• Venture to Bonampak to see murals that depict early Maya dress and life
• Travel the Usumacinta River to the sprawling site of Yaxchilan to see early Maya weaving motifs on carved lintels

• Day 1: Arrive Tuxtla Gutierrez, where you will be transferred to the colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas, named after the beloved Bartolome de las Casas, who was known as the "conscience of the conquest", as he admonished the Spanish monarchy to change their attitudes and behavior towards the indigenous population. San Cristobal sits at 7,000 feet, and the air is clear and light. We enjoy a welcome dinner.
• Day 2: We start off with an orientation Breakfast, Introduction to Maya Weaving Traditions in the Highlands of Chiapas to get an overview of the week ahead; the villages and weaving traditions we will be seeing. Our first trek is to Amatenango and Aguacatenango to review pottery and weaving traditions of these villages. We visit Mari and Albertina, master potters who will show us their techniques and materials that date back to the pre-Hispanic era. We will learn of the unique dress that identifies women from Amatenango, a form of cultural passport, recognized throughout the region. Lunch at La Diligencia. In the afternoon we take a walking tour of San Cristobal to review motifs and iconography in surrounding architecture. We will also visit select weaving coops and textile shops. Dinner is in town.
• Day 3: Today's breakfast discussion focuses on the text and iconography in the Maya weaving of San Andres Larrainzar and Magdalenas, followed by visit to these two important Highland villages. In particular, we will learn of the Ceremonial huipil from Magdalenas and the layers of text and meaning of the woven designs and the form of the huipil, itself. Omnipresent in the Maya iconography are themes of underworld, material world and celestial world (3 planes), the elements (earth, wind, fire and water), and the cardinal points. Also, humankind's relationship to the outer world is always present. When we return to San Cristobal, we will visit the spectacular collection of Maya daily and ceremonial dress, belonging to Sergio Castro, a saintly, renaissance man who has spent much of his life dedicated to improving agrigultural and health conditions in highland Maya communities (he is a renown burn doctor). Dinner in town.
• Day 4: Today's morning discussion is on the history and evolving weaving traditions of Chamula and Zinacantan, followed by our visit to these two Highland villages. In Zinacantan, flowers are seen everywhere; from the blue and red embroidered smocks worn by the women and men, to the cultivated variety. In Chamula, we learn of mystical healing practices and beliefs of this insular community. It is here we see how different each community is from the other. Returning to town, we lunch at Na Bolom, followed by a brief guided tour of the Na Bolom museum, former home of Gertrude and Frans Blom, who dedicated their lives to improving conditions for the Lacandon Maya. Evening is free to explore the bohemian atmosphere of San Cristobal.
• Day 5: After breakfast, we depart for the community of Venustiano Carranza, in the tropical midland region. The cotton backstrap woven blouses here are very light and gauze like, as the region is hot. We will visit homes of master weavers to see this delicate weaving style. From here we visit the Chiflon waterfalls; a light hike to the falls, a swim, followed by lunch. Returning to San Cristobal, the evening is free to sit in the zocalo, stroll the charming (but treacherously uneven) stone streets, visit shops, coops and bookstores.
• Day 6: Our last day in the highlands, we will focus on the weaving traditions of Tenejapa and Cancuc. We will visit a special coop that produces extraordinary examples of their local weaving designs. Dinner in San Cristobal.
• Day 7: Today we enjoy a free day to explore San Cristobal
• Day 8: Depart

The Maya Textile Tradition, Ed. Margot Blum Schevill, Photos Jeffrey Jay Foxx
Maya Textile Art, Collections of the Centro de Textiles del MUNDO MAYA
Living Maya, Walter F. Morris, Jr. Photos by Jeffrey Jay Foxx
Textiles from Mexico, Chloe Sayer
Mexican Indian Folk Designs, Irmard Weitlaner-Johnson
Textiles de Chiapas, Artes de Mexico, No.19