Clearly, the Mayans were very active in textile production. This is known from references found in 16th and 17th century Spanish chronicles, and also in works of art representing textile production (steles, mural painting, ceramic decoration and figurines of women weaving), and from archaeological remains associated with this activity (basically spindles). Unfortunately, the tropical climate of the area has not allowed the survival of any pre-Columbian cloth samples, although today’s various ethno-cultural groups continue the textile traditions begun by their ancestors.

A small figure known as “the weaver” from the Late Classical Period, preserved in the National Anthropological Museum in Mexico City.