Textiles  of the North American Southwest
Home
Gallery Map Timeline Glossary Catalog About

Saltillo Poncho
ca. 1850
Mexico

Catalog Information
Description
Description
Maker
Design
Production
Use

This textile is a poncho, a sarape with an opening in the center for the head. It features the hallmarks of the Saltillo design style. These include a centralserrated diamond motif that shares colors and design elements with a border, which are distinct from those of the background.

Saltillo-style textiles are widely regarded as among the finest in the world. Tightly woven with finely spun yarns, they combine dramatic color schemes with intricate design patterns to create a pulsating effect and the illusion of three dimensions. Because of the technical skill required to produce these strikingly beautiful textiles, they are highly prized by collectors.

 
 
Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies Gallery | Map | Timeline | Glossary | Catalog | About | Home