Every group of individuals in a society has characteristics that make them different and unique within the territory; their way of dressing is one of them. In this article, we invite you to learn about the traditional clothing of the Tarahumara , an ethnic group residing in the northern region of Mexico.
Tarahumara clothing
Before delving into the subject of the way these natives dress, it is important to know a little more about this ethnic group. They reside in the southwest of the immense Chihuahua territory, and sheltered by the Sierra Tarahumara, which is well known for its connection to this town, specifically in the upper spaces of the Sierra Madre Occidental.
Some time ago, Antonin Artaud, a versatile French writer, expressed that during his stay in the Tarahumara mountains he was able to visualize that the natives have these strange representations as a basis, referring to rites and dances, and that the Tarahumara mountains also carry them. This is a way of conceiving that the clothing of the Tarahumara represents not only a craft, but also a way of seeing and living their vision of the world.
Likewise, these are known as a semi-nomadic culture, this is how in winter they can occupy a cave in the Tarahumara mountains and return to their localities in summer; however, there are cases of Rarámuri individuals who do not leave their place of residence throughout the year.
As the basis of their economic and substantial activity, corn, beans and farmyard animals signify the support of all Tarahumaras; in addition to being recognized as skilled artisans in the manipulation of textiles. At this point, it is where they always stand out from other nearby communities, since they make their own suits, using stake looms and raw materials such as wool or cotton. This is how textiles became a very transcendental skill for the economy of this native people.
Elements of Tarahumara Clothing
The evolutionary process of the manufacture of Tarahumara clothing has been flourishing and continuous; During the times prior to the arrival of the Spanish, these natives already made their attire on stake looms with the materials they had available: mainly vegetable fiber.
That is why, during the 1930th century, they began the sewing process with a more expert character; This is how, over time, they began to obtain cotton and other imported fabrics to produce their clothing. During the year XNUMX, all the clothing of the Tarahumara was mended with muslin and other types of cloth manufactured in other regions.
Models with commercial embroidery threads highlight lifestyles: floral, human and animal designs. In addition, they include geometric prints that can symbolize realities such as the sun and the moon. Given the small argument above, we need to remember these compendiums and understand how they affect the progress and the social and cultural way of the Tarahumara. For example, the climate of the Sierra Tarahumara is essential to glimpse the modification of their clothing according to the time of year.
The main component of the Tarahumara garment that stands out is its radiant shades with prints or flowers. This is without a doubt a characteristic of this garment; It is important to emphasize that this component is used in the clothing for both genders of the natives of this ethnic group. Among the common accessories for both genders, there are:
koyera
Distinctive band worn on the head to hold the hair. This piece is significant, because in addition to its use it symbolizes the socioeconomic status of an individual and this is known by the extension of the koyera. If it is short, it expresses that the position is low; and if it is long, the position is high.
Akaka
The huaraches with which they walk the extensive and vast territory of the Sierra Tarahumara are shoes made with rubber soles and leather straps that are tied from the instep to the ankle. This is how they cover long distances with their walking; In addition, for this reason they are admired throughout the world for their endurance and athletic ability. However, it should be emphasized that it is not uncommon to see some Tarahumara natives with completely bare feet, connecting even more with nature.
burning
It is glimpsed as the traditional blanket. Its main characteristic is that it is made through the intertwining of wool fibers. With this, they manage to dominate and overcome the low temperatures that surround the Sierra de Chihuahua.
This blanket also serves as a bed on open nights, as a method of transaction or barter on significant occasions, and in the case of women to carry their babies or small children, as well as food or objects that are carried on the back.
FAHA
It is a different belt from those that are used to visualizing in the world, because it is braided with brightly colored strands; This component of the Tarahumara attire is worn on the waist of the individual who wears it.
So far, the common accessories between the genders (men and women) have been detailed, which they share in the usual Tarahumara attire; however, there are other pieces that accompany this clothing according to gender. These are the most representative:
Tarahumara women's clothing
Among the most representative accessories used by the native women of this Tarahumara culture, we detail the following:
sipuchaka
It is a saya or skirt, the models vary between animal or flower prints and usually go with a short shirt that is also printed in bright shades. Many skirts can be worn at the same time, one on top of the other, resulting in a voluminous and grand visual appearance.
Mapachaka
It is a light shirt that goes together with the saya that we have described above. For the making of all this attire (saya and shirt), a primarily white cotton is used.
The two pieces of Tarahumara clothing are sewn in such a way that the costume can also be worn on the reverse. In relation to Sipúchaka with respect to the climate, more of these are used when it is cold and when the climate is warmer they are used less. Likewise, as a sign of elegance, up to seven skirts can be used on festive occasions.
Tarahumara men's clothing
As for the accessories used by Tarahumara men in their clothing, we have the following elements that we detail below:
Tagora
This accessory is made up of two shapes of rectangles of white or light colored fabric, folded in the form of a triangle. To make it a bit more clear, it is a kind of mini zaya. This garment is usually worn with a loose shirt with a square fit.
wisiburka
Very similar to the tagora, but this is a longer pair of light or white pants, fastened by a seal or belt woven in sheep's wool.
western attire
Unfortunately, motivated by several social and cultural components, some individuals belonging to this Tarahumara ethnic group have accepted Western clothing, it has been coexisting and intermingling with the culture of the chabochi, the mestizo that applies its regulations over the Rarámuris.
However, to maintain and preserve their traditions and legacy in terms of their colorful clothing, some members of this ethnic group have sought to take the entire country of Mexico and make known to the whole world their traditional garments and clothing that they wear with pride. ; since many of its members want these outfits to be well seen and accepted by the whole society, in order to use it every day and at all times without the need to be vetoed or rejected for it.
This culture, during the times of celebration of Easter, which is a significant holiday for this culture and a rare link between its beliefs and the Catholic perspective, is where the chabochis made up of individuals from society color their bodies white.
The enigma of symbols, the way of acting towards life and many other significant particularities are manifested in simulated simple notions, as can be seen in the clothing of the Tarahumara, one of the most representative native societies of Mexico.
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