The History of Mexican Serape Blankets…
Serapes Mexican blankets are as rich in their history as they are in color. Known by several names such as sarapes, zarapes or saltillos, this versatile textile has been around for hundreds of years.
History shows us that serapes, in their original incarnation, were intended as an inexpensive outer piece of clothing first worn by the poorer working folk of Mexico and Guatemala. The original serapes would have been worn like a poncho, either with an opening for the head to pass through or thrown over the shoulder as often seen in the movies. As a long rectangular garments or piece of clothing, serapes would be wrapped around the body much like a shawl or blanket for protection against cold and the environment. Serapes refer to the traditional striped weave that makes up the serape blanket or serape which is worn like a garment.
The word “serapes” refers to the traditional striped weave that makes up the Mexican blanket design of today. Serapes which can still be found today are made of a soft – usually cotton – rectangular blanket and may have an opening in the middle for the wearer to insert his head through. Serapes can be traced back to the Chichimecs people in the area of Coahuila, which is in north-eastern Mexico. These indigenous inhabitants migrated from the Casa Grande area of Northern Mexico to central Mexico. The descendants of these many people in present day Saltillo trace their roots back to the early Chichimecs. Saltillo is the capital of the north eastern Mexican state of Coahuila now made famous for its locally woven multi-colored blankets. Serapes blankets are still created in the Saltillo region today, but have made their way into the modern culture and history of Mexico. Because of their relationship to the Saltillo region, they have also been called sarapes, serape, saltillos, falsa blankets or just plain Mexican blankets.
Today, Mexican serapes have evolved into a more versatile blanket design. The Mexican serape blanket is often noted for its striped or banded colorful design. The largest stripe is always the primary color and repeated throughout weave, along with complimentary colors. The serapes usually consists of a darker base or solid color with stripes of brighter yellow, orange, red, blue, green, purple or other vibrant colors. You may also find them in tones of the same color as well. The ends of the textile products are usually fringed which adds to its charm.With their vibrant colors, eye catching designs and inviting fabric, serapes add a decorative touch, making any room in your house more inviting and warm. The colored striping of a serape can even make a room look larger.
Throw one across any piece of furniture, take a step back and immediate enjoy how a serape revitalizes the furniture pieceandaddsnew appeal to the room that you has been missing. Mexican serapes are as versatile outside as they are inside. Whether for a day at the beach or an afternoon picnic, aserape is the perfect outdoor accessory for any occasion.
Don’t worry about getting a serape dirty though, as they can easily be put in the wash ready for use as a table cloth or an evening in front of the fire. Each of our serapes arehandmade in Mexico, under fair trade practices. Since each one is individually made, each serape becomes a unique piece of fabric art. Hang one on a wall and see how it brings the room to life. Alternatively, they can also be folded and arranged in a fanlike formation, making a double art piece out of a Mexican serape.
Serape Decorating
The technique to create these stunning blankets has been passed on through the generations and it is hard to find two serape blankets woven exactly the same. So, whatever you choose to call yours, the venerable Mexican serape blanket will bring a unique decorative touch and a splash of color to your home. These unique pieces of fabric art make a wonderful accessory to any piece of furniture or add vibrancy to any room in the house.
