The textiles woven in Mexico by Mayan women have long been appreciated for their beauty, detail and complexity. Using just a simple 'backstrap' or 'stick' loom, Mayan women create intricately decorated clothes for themselves and their families. In the Yucatan and areas with a more temperate climate, women take advantage of the colorful array of embroidery thread available to embellish their families' lightweight cotton clothing.

The women's skill and creativity results in some exquisite items that are attractive and utilitarian. Although the textiles of the Mayan people can be appreciated solely for their aesthetic value, this is an inherently limited interpretation. Mayan textiles are much more than pretty pieces of fabric; the clothing worn by Mayan people on a daily basis communicates a lot of information about the wearer, including his or her social status in the community, his or her ethnic group, and the area in which he or she lives.