Embrace the Tradition
The word rebozo translates from Spanish to mean shawl, but it is so much more than just a shawl, with the word evoking a tradition that goes back centuries.
Rebozos are long woolen scarves, usually worn covering the head and shoulders, traditionally worn by Mexican women. The fabrics used to be made of indiginous materials such as ixtle, wool and pre-hispanic cotton. Today they are made from cotton and acrylic fiber. The rebozo can be worn to shade from the sun, for warmth, or as a fashion accessory. Traditionally, they were also used as a carrying aid, to bring home items from the market. The rebozo can also be helpful for pregnant women, “placing the rebozo around the woman from the waist to below her bottom before she sits deeply in a chair” (Aims). Like many traditional fashions, there is functionality along with the beauty of the rebozo.
Styles of the Rebozo
Unlike the European scarf, which tends to be shorter and made of lighter fabrics, the rebozo is long and intended to be worn loosely over the shoulders, flowing over the body, especially to make a woman’s body appear more graceful. However, today either men or women can sport the rebozo. Worn loosely, it can hide the body from brutal sunlight, while wrapped more snugly over the shoulders, it can keep the chill away.
Our traditional rebozos are handmade in Teotihuacan, Mexico. They are long, being 96 inches in length and 30 inches wide (each fringe is approx. 9 inches). They feel luxuriously soft and warm, and able to be worn in a variety of ways.
The rebozo can be woven in traditional patterns and come in colors evocative of Mexican landscape and light: light orange, wine, pink, burnt orange, blue, and acqua. As our shawl is quite long and decorative, it can also be used as a throw over a chair, sofa, or even as a tablecloth. Its durable fabrics are great for practical use and adding cultural flair to any room.
Like all of our products, we support local artists and ensure fair trade pricing to keep traditional artisanry alive and sustainable. See our website for more details on how to order this beautiful, traditional garment.
