Post Classic Serape de Saltillo

Woven in a single width (of 58â??), this serape of hand dyed wool was made especially for Luis J. Lopez in the 20â??s, in the post classic period between 1850 and the early 20th C. It beautifully displays the 8 tones of each color used (a prerequisite for this textile from Saltillo) as the â??sombraâ?? - the diminishing of each color, cedes to the next. Beautifully woven with superb detail of fine wool, the size belies the lightness.
Saltillo serapes date from the 18th C. and are considered one of the great textile traditions of the world. During the early part of the 20th C., a time of growing nationalism, the serape became a symbol of national pride. Not to be confused with other weavings with similar designs made in other parts of Mexico, these vintage weavings from the city of Saltillo in the state of Coahuila, were done on a foot loom, and each one unique depending on the weaver and the clientâ??s wishes. A symbol of prestige, they were draped on the manâ??s shoulder as a fine decorative accessory.