Aztecs of Mexico
Description:
This image presents an almost scientific approach to the documentation of traditional Aztec costume. We see garments that show similarities to the serape and rebozo, showing the indigenous portion of their heritage. Additionally, the folio provides a detailed description of each gender's specific traditional garments. First, we discuss the huipil, or women's blouse:
"The pattern of this straight garment is simply a rectangle composed of three strips of cloth, one narrow one sewed along each side of a wider central piece which has an opening for the head in the middle. This blouse is interesting not only for its cut and decoration, but also for the fine quality of it homespun textile. The cloth is woven on the horizontal loom or otate which dates back to pre-Cortesian times."
The garment is, as shown, usually of a striped design, and accompanied by a long skirt. Additionally, the women usually wear high black shoes, though the material used for the shoes was not named.
As for the men's clothing:
"Over a white shirt they wear a small jorongo of close cotton weave with a colored design. Two pairs of trousers are worn, long white under-drawers and shorter black woolen pants open at the bottoms at indicated in Plate 7. The masculine wardrobe is completed by a very wide-brimmed straw sombrero and huaraches made locally that cover the feet all but the toes."
These descriptions help us to understand the organic nature of this costume in the double sense of the word. These garments are traditional, and they are made locally, usually by hand, and worn with frequency by the people who make them. The colors illustrated here are quite beautiful and we can truly appreciate both the beauty and the craftsmanship of these pieces through this image.
Book Title: Mexican Costume
Plate Number: 4
Call Number: GT625 .M4