This textile is a rebozo, or wrap. Women in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa, have worn various types of wraps for centuries. Early use of wraps can be traced to the Middle East, where Muslim women used them to cover their heads and faces. During the period of Islamic rule in Spain (711–1492 AD), they became popular with Spanish women, who used them as veils, scarves, and shawls. They grew in popularity in the Americas during the Spanish colonial period when they were used as shawls, face and head coverings, and aprons. Rebozos are also used to carry to carry babies and a variety of items. In many cultures in the Americas they are part of women's daily dress, although today they are most closely associated with Mexico.