Producer unknown to us
Shawl
Americas, Mexico, Chihuahua, Mcpo Carichi, Narárachi
Around 2000
Cotton, acrylic, woven, printed
Claus Deimel (former director of the museum) acquired the shawl during a trip to Mexico
Purchased by the museum from Deimel in 2002
MAm 8015 a
Printed cotton cloths of this type are worn by “matachines” dancers in Mexico, as well as further north in what is now New Mexico in the United States. The matachines dance evolved from a combination of local dance rites and those imported from Spain during colonization. On December 12, the Matachines perform a dancing pilgrimage to their respective basilicas or places of worship of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The structure for the dancers is predetermined and fixed, but any role can be taken up by anyone, regardless of age. The dancers are led by the “monarcas” who direct the choreography, prayers, and songs.
According to tradition, the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (1474–1548) and spoke to him in Nahuatl. The iconography of the Virgen de Guadalupe is characterized by Indigenous symbolism and her darker skin color compared to depictions of the Virgin Mary. Today, she is considered one of the most significant Marian icons in Mexico. At the same time, the symbol of Guadalupe has been used again and again in the struggle for social justice, migrant rights, and gender equality in recent years. So, today, the image of the Virgin Mary with her face covered is used as a symbol of protection and struggle in feminist protests.
The former director of the museum, Claus Deimel, acquired this cloth from a merchant in Narárachi during a trip to Mexico in December 2021. He then sold it to the museum.
Julia von Sigsfeld