April 13 @ 10:00 a.m.
Mayan Backstrap Weaving presented by Kedron Thomas
Kedron Thomas is a cultural anthropologist who studies the way clothes are made and worn in diverse parts of the world. She teaches courses on fashion, culture, environmental sustainability, labor rights, and indigenous rights at the University of Delaware.
She began her career by studying the weaving traditions of indigenous Maya people in Guatemala and the production of knockoff fashions in Central America. Her more recent work examines the efforts of fashion industry professionals in the United States and United Kingdom to make clothing more environmentally sustainable.
She is currently involved in a collaborative partnership with other scholars, policy experts, and industry leaders to develop a circular textile economy for the Delaware region.
For her presentation, Kedron will demonstrate the backstrap loom and bring an assortment of textiles. She will also share a bit about the history and current context of Mayan weaving.
Learn more about Kedron Thomas’ research interests and publications.
April’s Program — Zoom and in-person