Fabrics from the North

 Another special exhibit currently being presented at the Museum of Popular Art is one dealing with the textiles of Northern Mexico.

Much of northern Mexico is desert, and people often think that it is a cultural desert as well.  This exhibit seeks to dispel that notion through the diversity of fabrics and clothing from that region.  Even when the clothing is sewn from store-bought cloth, it reflects of cultures of the peoples that live there.

The city of Saltillo in the northern state of Coahuila has long been famous for its sarapes (blanket-like cloaks) and ponchos which are woven on looms.  There are a number of them dating from the 19th century on display.

A "quexquémetl" is a traditional woman's garment that is like triangular poncho.  These hand-woven and embroidered examples are from the state of San Luis Potosí.

This small rug and large poncho are woven from wool and come from the state of Sonora.

There were many examples of  traditional attire from different parts of northern Mexico.

These dance dresses come from the state of Chihuahua.

This dancer's dress comes from Baja California.

The "Matachines" are societies of men who perform ritual dances for religious occasions.  This "Matachín" costume comes from the state of Zacatecas.

There are around 100,000 Mennonites living in Mexico.  They immigrated to Mexico from Canada in the 1920s and established farming colonies mostly in the northern states of Chihuahua and Durango.  The women of the more conservative sects wear plain, modest attire.

The indigenous tribes of northern Mexico often live in remote desert and mountain areas, and maintain their traditional way of life and attire.

The Rarámuri tribe of Chihuahua

The Seri tribe of Sonora

The Tepahuán tribe of Durango

The Yaquis of Sonora

The Kickapoo of Coahuila are a branch of the tribe which lives in Oklahoma and Texas.

Arguably the most famous tribe of northern Mexico is the Tarahumara.

They live in the rugged mountains around the Copper Canyon of Chihuahua and have resisted outside influences and maintained their traditional way of life.

They are well-known for their skill as long-distance runners.  Both men and women compete in races which can last two days and cover a distance of up to 200 miles.