Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico

Man's Sarape (Wearing Blanket)

1800–50
Cotton and wool, slit and single dovetail tapestry weave; edged with cotton, knotted fringe
232.4 × 111.1 cm (91.5 × 43.7 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Produced in northern Mexico using a combination of Indigenous and foreign weaving materials and techniques, the man’s wearing blanket—also known as a sarape —was a highly valued and versatile garment. Wrapped around the body like a shawl or folded and draped over one shoulder, sarapes were also used as blankets and provided protection from the weather. Made with native, undyed, hand-spun cotton and dyed churro wool from imported sheep, sarapes are soft, light, strong, and warm. With their bold designs and brilliant colors, sarapes became a symbol of Mexican identity following the Mexican Revolution.

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