Multi-Kene Hand Embroidered Shipibo Women's Dress

In the Shipibo language, this is called a Chitonti, the traditional dress of Shipibo women. They often hand-embroider their own Chitontis, saving highly detailed pieces like this for special occasions because of the immense time required to create them.

Two things make this work incredibly special. First, it was made by Menihabe, the aunt of my friend Jordy. She is honestly one of the most talented Shipibo embroidery artists I’ve ever met—her attention to detail is insane, and her personal collection could fill a gallery. Fittingly, I believe her name means "Woman of Design" in Shipibo.

Second, this Chitonti is very unique. It features both Maya and Xao Kené (two distinct traditional styles). Menihabe also describes in the video that the boarder of this dress includes the famous Toe Flower (Brugmansia suaveolens). A potent native flower that contains scopolamine, similar to datura.

Every Shipibo I have shown this dress to, has told me it is gorgeous