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The rebozo - More than a garment
for the mexican woman
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| by Ana Luz Velázquez
- September 15, 2002 |
 The
"rebozo" is the shawl or wrap Mexican women
use to cover themselves with. It is a blend of the Spanish
mantilla with the native "tocado" or headdress.
The looms, the fabrics, the weaves of the colored threads
are the manifestation of the soul of the pre-Hispanic
world. Natives used to create these attires with colored
cotton threads, braided and dyed with extracts from
lichen, bark, seeds and flowers, using the bounty offered
by this land. After the arrival of the Spaniards, the
textile arts acquired other blends, enriching themselves
with wool and silk.
The "rebozo" is the most
obvious characteristic element in the Mexican woman's
apparel. It combines the qualities of motherly love,
coquetry, femininity, belief and care in a warm embrace.
It is also used as mortuary vestment.
Despite the industrialization of
machinery, the identity of apparel such as the "rebozo"
is a mark of uniqueness as it is not mass-produced.
The rebozo is still woven using natural fibers.
Rebozos are a mosaic of feelings,
drawings, fondness and affection, caresses and soft
breaths, all woven into colored threads. And they can
be most elegant, made of fine silk.
If you want to confirm the truth
in this, all you have to do is pull one through a finger
ring. A fine quality rebozo will not catch or tear,
it will slide through easily. These are authentic jewels
from the hands of Mexican artisans.
The rebozo is worn with pride. It
can be wrapped around the neck, used as a scarf, or
as a wrap against the cold. It may be crossed across
the chest or used as a pareo.
The Associacion Feminil Vallartense
(AFV) that organizes the Rebozo Ball assists abused
children, teenagers and women. It offers English, cosmetology,
cooking, sewing, self-esteem and counseling services.
The Ball is its big fundraising event. For more information
on this non-profit organization or to volunteer, please
call 224-9906
analuz@pvmirror.com
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