Serape

This serape has a central floral pattern which frames the face when the garment is wrapped around the shoulders. At the time this serape was woven, the introduction of synthetic dyes and floral and pictorial images from Europe was radically changing the serape style. Serapes such as this one are often referred to as “saltillo” after the northern Mexican town of Saltillo, where weavers would sell serapes at the annual trade fair. Traditionally a sign of status, serapes were worn by only the wealthiest Indians or Mestizos (people of mixed European and Indian ancestry) from 1700–1820. In the 19th century the traditional class system in Mexican society broke down, and the serape soon became a symbol of elegance for the charros, Spanish horsemen of the upper class. Eventually, the serape came to represent Mexican identity and today serves as a national garment.