Rebozo c. early 20th century

This Rebozo was likely made in Mexico, and of course, the key material here is fiber. The rebozo’s subtle patterning and warm colors are entirely dependent on the weaver’s technique, using a backstrap loom. The work would have begun with careful preparation of the threads, then the slow, rhythmic process of interlacing them, row by row. A rebozo like this one has immense cultural significance. These shawls are a mainstay of dress across the country, used by women of all social classes. They are used to carry children, worn as head coverings, or as decoration. It's a testament to the maker's skill that, even without knowing their name, we can still appreciate the labor, time, and cultural value woven into this textile. Thinking about the human effort behind it helps us to expand our understanding of art beyond the traditional categories of painting or sculpture.