Culture Divides

The rebozo is used in differently across Mexican culture as it strikes the balance between modernity and tradition. “As worldwide fashion trends turned toward 'modern' attire, many designers and consumers within Mexico embraced a new, more cosmopolitan look. Others cautioned against an abandonment of the nation’s traditional cultural heritage. As a result, many discussions of beauty and fashion incorporated new modern trends, while at the same time attempting to remain loyal to an aesthetic sense of nationalism and tradition.”1

 

In urban, modern areas of Mexico, traditional clothing is less likely to be worn on a daily bases or by younger generations. However, items like the rebozo are not forgotten. Traditional ceremonies, festivals, rituals, or important family events are times when traditional clothing is worn. In these times, the rebozo is a reminder of their past, of their heritage. It is worn in honor of Mexico’s struggles and triumphs since the Spanish conquest. The rebozo becomes a symbolic piece but used traditionally. For example, on a Catholic holiday women would use the rebozo to cover their heads just as it was used when the Spanish brought over the rebozo (or the repurposed local scarf). It may not be used for everyday life, but it still remains a part of their cultural past.

In other urban areas, the rebozo may be used as an accessory of fashion. In these situations, the traditional functions and symbolism are detached. The rebozo only looks like a traditional piece rather than function as one and when worn it is not for connecting with the past.

However, in rural areas such as Oaxaca and Tenancingo, the rebozo is used daily. The rebozo is used because it is practical and because of the heritage associated with it. It still covers the head in rituals or can be used for traditional folk dances, yet it is practical for carrying items. In these places, they embody their cultural past within their current culture. 

For these women, the rebozo is a large part of their culture not only in a practical sense but also in how it is made. The looms and weaving are equally important as the end product. The same method has been used for generations and they continue to carry on that tradition. However, that may all change. The younger generation in these country areas are not interested in learning the traditional techniques as they are more concerned with modernity.2

 

This transition between modernity and traditional inspired a museum exhibit recently in Ventura County, California. They took pictures of local Latinos who held onto a piece of their Mexican heritage in their daily lives. Jewelry, clothing, shawls, were all representative of holding onto their heritage while still being a part of a modern, global culture.3

 

In art, the rebozo represents the past. Most famous is Frieda Kahlo who represented herself in self-portraits with wearing the rebozo. Other artists also use the rebozo as a self-identification as part of a Mexican culture. In Mexican cinema, that trend is also present. In light of changes locally, globally, and economically, holding onto items such as the rebozo remains a constant remainder of who they are and where they came from. 

1 Rankin, Monica A.. "La ropa cósmica: Identity and Fashion in 1940s Mexico." Studies in Latin American Popular Culture 28 (2010): 96. Although she discusses trends of the 1940s, her points are still relevant today.  (entire article on pages 95-111.) 

2 Davis, Virginia and Steel, Hillary. “The Rebozo: A Mexican Tradition.” Fiberarts, 35 no. 1 (Summer 2008): 60-61. 

 

3 Lindell, Karen.  "New photo exhibit stitches together link between clothes and cultural identity." McClatchy - Tribune Business News.  18 September 2009. 

Other selected sources and background: 

Bishop, Joyce M. . ""Those Who Gather In": An Indigenous Ritual Dance in the Context of Contemporary Mexican Transnationalism." Journal of American Folklore 122, no. 486 (2009): 391-413. 

"The Culture of Mexico." http://www.earthyfamily.com/mexico-culture.htm.  

"Traditional Mexican Clothes and Costumes." http://www.buzzle.com/articles/traditional-mexican-clothes-and-costumes.html. 

 
The Greenwood Encyclopedia of American Regional Cultures: The Southwest. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2004. s.v. "FASHION," http://www.credoreference.com.libproxy.temple.edu/entry/abcarcsw/fashion.