The typical costume of Chihuahua is a combination of pre-Hispanic elements and colonial elements. This is a characteristic element of almost all regional costumes throughout all of Mexico.
After all, Spanish rule in Mexico lasted for almost three centuries. During this time, the peninsular culture and the Mesoamerican cultures made their respective contributions to the consolidation of a diverse culture.
Image source: The Chihuahua Option
In general, the average Mexican dresses in today's Western way. However, in small towns you can still see these typical costumes.
It is also common to see them at festivals and special events. These traditional outfits can distinguish both the state and certain ethnic groups in each region, as is the case of Chihuahua.
You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Chihuahua.
Description of the typical Chihuahua costume
Women
The typical costume of Chihuahuan women comprises four pieces: blouse, skirt, sash and huaraches (or guaraches).
The blouse has long sleeves with baggy, or three quarters, while the skirt reaches the feet and is quite wide. For its part, the girdle fits at the waist.
With regard to colors, there is no predilection for one in particular. Thus, the garments can be white or vibrant colors.
On the other hand, the huaraches are a type of footwear: light and handmade sandals. The word huarache is believed to be derived from the P'urhépecha term for sandal, kwarachi.
Traditionally, the upper is woven in leather, and the soles are also in leather. As for their designs, they range from the very simple - sandal type - to woven designs that cover most of the foot and are similar to shoes.
mens
The typical Chihuahua costume for gentlemen in urban areas is a military outfit, accompanied by a guerrera (fitted military jacket) with a high collar and ankle boots.
When it comes to fabrics, suede and denim are preferred. The typical clothing of rural areas is simpler. In this case, there are three pieces: shirt, pants and cowboy boots.
Other typical costumes
As a typical costume of Chihuahua, there is also that of the Tarahumara, or Rrámuris - as they prefer to call themselves.
There is a very large group in the state. In fact, the region where they live bears their name: Sierra de los Tarahumaras.
Despite time, they have managed to preserve many of the elements of their ancestral culture. So, although some communities have adopted the Western style in clothing, others retain indigenous clothing.
Women
The women of this ethnic group wear a blouse, skirt, sash and collar. The blouse is short, wide and with low shoulders. It's made with brightly colored printed fabric, and cotton appliqués on the yoke.
The skirt is also wide and they usually wear skirt over skirt to give it greater volume, and at the same time protect from the cold. In addition, the fabric of the girdle is made by hand in raw wool.
For its part, the collar is a band of cloth that is folded several times to place it on the head. Its ends hang at the back and are tied with metal locks.
With regard to footwear, both men and women wear huaraches with a light sole and ankle straps, although they also tend to go barefoot.
mens
Rrámuri men also wear a collar and sash. The latter is wound around the waist several times, holding the ends on the right side at the end.
The shirt is patterned, tunic-like with a rounded neck and open at the front. Its sleeves are long, open and with cuffs. Finally, a white loincloth, tied at the hip with the sash, completes the outfit.
References
- History and evolution of the dress. (s / f). Inter-American University for Development. Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from moodle2.unid.edu.mx
- Indigenous Action Secretariat. (2015). Chihuahua and its regional dress. Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from indigenas.pri.org.mx.
- Lynch, A and Strauss, MD (2014). Ethnic Dress in the United States: A Cultural Encyclopedia. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield.
- So are the Rrámuris, the men with the winged feet. (s / f). Unknown in Mexico. Retrieved on November 7, 2017, from mexicodesconocido.com.mx.
- Zamarripa Castañeda, R. and Medina Ortiz, X. (2001). Mexican dance costumes. Colima: UCOL.