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A serape is a long, heavy shawl from Mexico made of woven wool or cotton. It's created in two rectangular sections, then sewn together across the top, leaving an opening for the head. The designs on a serape may be simple or complex, depending on the artist creating it and the intended use. Originally a serape was a man's outer garment, but it has come to have many other uses as well.
Serape is the most common name, but in various parts of Mexico the garment is known by other names such as "chamarro" or "jorongo." - Serapes likely grew out of Native American and Spanish traditions. They were originally worn only by the lower classes, but in the 1800s, they became a symbol of Mexican independence, and the upper classes began to wear them to identify with the vaqueros who were such a large part of Mexican traditions. Over time, they gradually shifted from their original purpose as protection from the elements to a more decorative purpose as they were created from finer cloth with more intricate designs.
- Serapes can be hardworking garments or elegant accessories, depending on the style. Some serapes are made of rough, heavy-duty wool. These are generally woven on a loom with a simple design worked into the weaving. Another style of serape is made of cotton, and the design on these is created with dye. These may be more intricate designs and the serape made of higher-quality material, creating a fancier garment for dressy occasions.
- A serape is created as a garment something like a jacket, but it has many uses beyond that. It can function as a blanket or, folded, as a pillow. Depending on the style and material, a serape can be a horse blanket or an elegant wall hanging. You can find serapes in a baby's crib or thrown over the back of a couch. In times of war, the people of Mexico have used serapes as shrouds for their dead.
- A few artists still weave serapes by hand, but most serapes today are made in factories. This makes for a loss of individuality, but it also means many more serapes can be created. Serapes have become popular souvenirs for tourists. There's a demand for more intricate designs, as many from outside Mexico are coming to appreciate the serape for its value as artwork rather than function. They are still in demand as garments, as well.
