Mixtec

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Limited edition silk screen on paper
Published by Pocohontas Press, Chicago
1941, 16"h. x 13"w.
Eleven separately printed colors

Mixtecs of the State of Oaxaca

The Mixtecs are the largest and oldest tribe in the state of Oaxaca. Together with their neighbors the Zapotecs they form the group possessing the most highly developed native culture in this part of the Republic. The town of Yodonco, whose dress is represented in Plate 18, is situated in the heart of the Mixtec country in the district of Nochistlán.

The feminine costume—the masculine is uninteresting—consists of the usual articles worn by Mexican Indian women: the blouse, the skirt, and the sash. Neither the cotton blouse with vertical decorations nor the blue skirt pleated in front is particularly worthy of note. It is the wholly original sash or ceñidor which is the outstanding feature of this costume. The ceñidor proper is of coarse cotton material in shades of red or purple. Over this a tube made of finely woven palm leaves is worn, encircling the waist. This tube is used for safekeeping money and valuables. Similar rolls made of leather are I used by peasants in central Mexico.

The costume of the Mixtec is completed by ankle-high huaraches which cover the feet completely but expose the toes.

Carlos Merida

SOLD: 12/04/19

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