Diamond-patterned Saltillo Serape
Artist
unidentified
Dateca. 1795
Mediumwool, cotton, indigo, lac or cochineal, vegetal dyes
Dimensions96 x 48 in. (243.8 x 121.9 cm)
ClassificationsTextile, Fiber Arts, & Beadwork
Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, museum purchase, 1979 General Obligation Bonds
Object numberPC1981.85.1
DescriptionA saltillo sarape / serape that has a whole spectrum of colors but is predominantly red. These colors are created through all natural dyes and feature those such as undyed left wool, indigo (blue), green (vegetal), yellow (vegetal), pink (cochineal), red (cochineal), dark purple (cochineal and indigo). The serape is a hand-woven, blanket-like piece worn for cover and warmth. The center has a diamond shape and a hole for a head. These items are typically woven from wool using a large loom and then dyed with pigment from plants. Originally traced back to the Chichimecs peoples of north-eastern Mexico especially in the area of Coahuila, the name Saltillo comes from the captial of this state. The serape as an item of clothing and decor has spread all over the North American continent.On View
On viewTerms
1865-1875
