This book focusses on the backstrap weaving of Jacaltenango, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. It includes a detailed description of the weaving technique, the symbolism of weaving in Precolumbian Mesoamerica, and describes many Jacaltec hair sashes in museum collections from both anthropological and artistic perspectives. The book is richly illustrated with photocopied photographs, maps, charts, and diagrams.
Carol worked with a backstrap weaving cooperative as a Peace Corps volunteer in Jacaltenango, Guatemala, from 1976-80. She earned a Ph.D. in Art at the University of Georgia in 1989. Her dissertation focused on Jacaltec Maya backstrap woven hair sashes; their theory and symbolism. Carol's bilingual book, Maya Hair Sashes Backstrap Woven in Jacaltenango / Cintas mayas tejidas con el telar de cintura en Jacaltenango, Guatemala, is based on her dissertation. For more about backstrap weaving, please look at http://www.backstrapweaving.com/ .
Carol also found the colorful tapestry crocheted shoulder bags made in Guatemala very inspirational. For more than twenty years, she has explored the design potential of the technique, developed a system of diagramming patterns, and created a variety of flat and three-dimensional projects, which she shares in her tapestry crochet publications and videos. For more about tapestry crochet, please look at her web page at http://www.tapestrycrochet.com/ .
Carol currently teaches Art History at Tennessee Technological University.
