The typical costume of Michoacán corresponds to the autochthonous clothing of the indigenous ethnic group of the Purépechas. This is one of the four indigenous groups that inhabit the different regions of this Mexican state.
The Purépechas live in the lake and mountain regions. This includes the communities around Lake Pamuaro, the Tarascan plateau adjacent to Uruapan, and the Once Pueblos ravine near Zamora.
Members of this ethnic group call themselves "p'urhépecha," which means "real men."
When the Spanish conquered these towns, they imposed the name of Tarascan and it was not until recently that they were able to recover their original name.
You may also be interested in the typical traditions of Michoacán.
Description of the typical costume of Michoacán
In the case of women, there is great variation between villages, although in appearance it is very similar.
What visitors notice the most is the apron, but underneath is a heavy blouse and skirt. Woven straps are also an important part, and in some areas they even carry two.
The typical costume for men is simpler. In fact, the information on men's clothing is quite concise when compared to the data obtained on women's clothing.
Female suit
Indigenous women are especially attentive to every detail when it comes to their attire.
One of the distinctive garments is a hand-woven wool skirt known as a sabanilla. Its name is due to the fact that this canvas was used to shelter the family at night.
The skirt is wrapped around the waist and fastened with one or more sash made of different materials such as cotton, wool, or a combination of both.
20 cm of fabric is left outside; thus, the weight causes the fabric to flip over and form a characteristic roll.
In 1930 this garment was transformed, becoming similar to the china poblana costume: a skirt made from a horizontal panel of linen wool cloth, a piece of silk or satin cloth with tight pleats and a waistband. Currently both versions are used.
Depending on the community, women wear a peasant blouse with a rounded cut and sleeves, or a smaller version of the wide huipil, which was adapted and renamed huanengo.
The huanengo has a square cut and reaches to the hips, and the neck opening is a vertical slit.
Cross stitch embroidery adorns the neckline and the edges of the sleeve form where the garment falls over the shoulders.
Male suit
In the case of men, the typical costume of Michoacán is a blanket suit, which is an unbleached cotton fabric.
A hand-woven sash is placed over this suit. The hat that accompanies this outfit can be made of petate (palm mat) or made of wheat tube.
The typical footwear for men and women are the huaraches, which are indigenous sandals made with woven leather.
The Purépecha men have been replacing this typical clothing with western-style pants, jackets and footwear.
Of this clothing they only keep the hats: one for parties and another for daily use.
References
- Purépecha indigenous costume, icon of the state of Michoacán. (2017, April 20). In Notimex. Retrieved on November 8, 2017, from 20minutos.com.mx.
- Purhépechas of Lake Patzcuaro region. (s / f). In Mexican Textiles. Retrieved on November 8, 2017, from mexicantextiles.com.
- Rosensweig, D. and Rosenzweig, M. (2008). Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress: The Fashion of Frida Kahlo. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.
- The traditional indigenous costume. Purépechas (tarascos) from Michoacán. (s / f). National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples. Retrieved on November 8, 2017, from gob.mx.
- Vargas Garduño, M. (2013). Bilingual intercultural education and the experience of interculturality in P'urhepecha families: the case of Arantepacua, municipality of Nahuatzen, Michoacán. Mexico DF: SEP-CGEIB.