The typical costume of Morelos corresponds to that of the ethnic group located in the town of Tetelcingo. This region, which has recently been named an indigenous municipality, is located six kilometers north of Cuautla, in the Mexican state of Morelos.
It is a community that still preserves many of its traditions. In fact, some people are almost monolingual in Mösiehuali̱, their native language. This language is a variant of Nahuatl.
With regard to clothing, indigenous women are still seen wearing their traditional garment: the chincuete. However, at present its use is not so common among the young women of that community.
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Description of the typical costume of Morelos
Generally, the clothing worn by the indigenous community of Tetelcingo is taken as the typical costume of Morelos because it is the most representative of the state.
However, this is not an official fact, nor is it endorsed by any public entity. In this state live several ethnic groups, but their respective regional costumes have been abandoned.
Despite this, some specific accessories for the wardrobe do survive. For example, in Xochitepec indigenous women are recognized by a mustard-colored shawl that they wear with their Western clothing.
Women
The characteristic garment of the typical Morelos costume, in the case of women, is the chincuete.
It is a piece of wool or cloth in navy blue (cold indigo dyed), woven on a backstrap loom, measuring about 3 or 4 meters long.
This garment is worn folded into planks and placed at the back. In the past, this bedpan was used as a cover at night.
Today, factors such as the cost of the materials for its preparation mean that its use is not so frequent.
In addition, the clothing includes a huipil also in blue. A huipil consists of two or three cloths that are joined longitudinally, and has an opening in the center to pass the head.
The Tetelcingo huipil is open at the sides, but in other regions they are united. They also wear two girdles, one red and one green, with which they hold the thumbtack.
mens
The most characteristic costume of men in Tetelcingo is that of chinelo, which they wear during carnival parties.
This tradition began in colonial times as a way of poking fun at the extravagant nightgowns worn by the wives of wealthy landowners.
The outfit comprises long gloves, feathered hats, and a very distinctive mask. This mask has a mustache and a very pointed beard, made with a ponytail. The features are typical of the Spanish stereotype, including green or blue eyes.
On the other hand, this costume also includes a tunic and a hat that vary according to the locality.
For example, the Tlayacapan tunic is white with blue stripes, while the hat embroidered with beads and feathers of various colors on the edge.
Instead, men in Tepoztlán wear a black tunic and a hat with appliqués and interlacing.
References
- Mösiehuali̱. Nahuatl or Mexican from Tetelcingo, Morelos. (s / f). At SIL international. Retrieved on November 10, 2017, from mexico.sil.org.
- Villazana Millán, P. (2000). Dances and dances of Morelos. Morelos: Institute of Culture
- Helbling, G. (2000). Morelos handmade. Morelos: Institute of Culture
- Zamarripa Castañeda, R. and Medina Ortiz, X. (2001). Mexican dance costumes. Colima: UCOL.
- Christie, ME (2009). Kitchenspace: Women, Fiestas, and Everyday Life in Central Mexico. Austin: University of Texas Press.
- Orendáin, CF (1998). Ruins of Utopia: San Juan de Tlayacapan: space and time in the meeting of two cultures. Mexico DF: UNAM.