Authentic Mayan Applique Patterns and Designs From the Southwest
History of Mayan Hand Stamps
The applique designs in this series of patterns were designed from authentic Mesoamerican pottery hand stamps which were in use by indigenous peoples for three thousand years before the conquest by Spain. The stamps were used to print on pottery, hides, cloth or skin using inks made from native plants. The hand stamps were originally molded from clay by hand, but became such a popular commodity that they were eventually mass produced in molds.
Hand stamps are flat, concave or convex depending on use and most have handles of various shapes. Others are cylindrical, shaped like a rolling pin. They were such a poplar commodity that they were mass produced in central America. The pottery stamps were used as items for trade and have been found in Arizona and New Mexico as well as in the upper midwest states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. They were traded across the Caribbean and have been found in the Antilles and Puerto Rico. Regional variations of hand stamps have also been found in Central and South America.
Jorge Enciso, 1880-1969, was responsible for the preservation of these designs. He was active in the 1920s as a collector, historian and protector of Pre-Columbian artifacts, later becoming Assistant Director of the National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico. His fascination with hand stamps, and his personal collection of rubbings that were made into drawings have left us with a rich legacy of ancient designs that translate well to quilting and applique.
I have added some of the places where each of the hand stamps that inspired the designs came from. More information about the history of these places in Mexico, Guatemala and the Yucatan Peninsula can easily be found on the internet. It is my hope that you will be inspired by your stitching of these ancient designs to learn more about the prehistory and history of the peoples who designed these ageless patterns for us. Some of the designs have been given names by me for convenience. They are not a reflection of any original name or anthropological data.
Linda Laird Designs © 2006-2009