Multi-color Ranta Pillowcase

The Multi-color Ranta pillowcase is handwoven with ecological threads on the Mayan backstrap loom. The thread colors of the pillowcase are dyed using locally grown plants and minerals. For instance, the lilac color comes from elderberry, rose/red is from cochineal insects, green is from leaves, yellow from tree bark, and blue is from recycled denim jean threads (re-purposed factory waste from Guatemala City). The white threads are natural cotton. The embroidery design in the center is called “Rantas” and is hand-embroidered with thread and needle to join together two textile panels. It is a traditional technique used in cortes (traditional Mayan skirts) and huipiles (Mayan blouses) to join two panels of fabric together. Handwoven by cooperatives of Mayan women weavers in rural communities from Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Pillowcases measure 20in x 20in and feature inside lining and YKK zipper on bottom edge.