What is a serape?

Answer 1

A serape is a colorful item of clothing associated with the indigenous culture and people of Central America and Mexico. In its original form, serapes were used as cheap accessible outer clothing, much like a blanket or shawl, to be wrapped around the body for protection against cold and the environment. First worn by the poorer working folk of Mexico and Guatemala, serapes refers to the traditional striped weave that makes up the serape blanket or sarapes, as it is often called as well. Serapes, which are still made today are a rectangular blanket, usually made of a soft cotton, and may have an opening in the middle for the wearer to insert his head through. Serapes were originally made in Coahuila, which is now a state in north-eastern Mexico. The descendants of many people in the capital, Saltillo, and this region trace their roots back to the early Chichimecs, a people who migrated from the Casa Grande area of Northern Mexico to central Mexico. Today, serapes have evolved into a more versatile blanket design that can be found in the markets of Central American and Mexico. The serape can be recognized by its inter-mixed, striped colorful design. The largest stripe is always the dominant color and is repeated throughout weave, along with complimentary colors. The serapes usually consists of a dark base color with bands of yellow, red, blue, green, or other vibrant colors. There are also serapes that are made in lighter tones and pastel shades. You may also find them in tones of the same color as well. The ends of the serapes blankets are distinguished with a fringed finish.