Green Hand Embroidered Shipibo Dress

In the Shipibo language, this is called a Chitonti, the traditional dress of women in the Shipibo ethnic group. Women often hand-embroider their own Chitonti to wear, and pieces like this are usually saved for special occasions because of how much time they take to create.

I bought this Chitonti from a Shipibo friend who had it hanging in his room for years. What makes it unique is that while traditional Chitontis are usually embroidered on a black or white base, this one has a gorgeous, deep green base.

It also features a very unique Kené—it’s not the typical Maya or Xao Kené you usually see on dresses. The fabric has a rough, aged feel from hanging on a wall in the Amazon for so long.