Serape

The serape, sarape or jorongo is a long blanket-like shawl or cloak, often brightly colored and fringed at the ends, worn in Mexico, especially by men.

The city of Teocaltiche, Jalisco is strongly linked to the development of the serape, although it was widespread throughout the area then known as Nueva Vizcaya.

The serape is not a typical garment for the Maya highland people, who wear different clothing in cold regions.

These serapes are sold through a broker, with the Mayan families, who depend mostly upon agricultural work, manufacturing small quantities for extra income.

The brokers display the serapes at an incremental price at local markets or the sides of highland roads in improvised huts.

coloured material
A Navajo serape from the mid-19th century.
Classic Saltillo Serape, circa 1825
Traditional serapes are worn like a shawl or cloak . Its alteration into a poncho-like clothing item is more recent.