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Frida Kahlo with Rebozo

Mexico / 1937

The rebozo – a powerful symbol of Mexican culture and identity – is a long flat garment worn mainly by Mexican women and worn in various ways, usually folded or wrapped around the shoulders and/or head.

In the Castilian language, ‘rebozo’ means to cover or protect oneself. Other indigenous names are ciua nequealtlapacholoni in the Nahuatl language and mini-mahua among the Otomi people. It is sometimes called cenzotl, meaning a multi-coloured cloth.

These highly-treasured, decorated shawls play a central part in the China Poblana, the traditional costume adopted by Mexican women. The rebozo represents the journey from birth to death – playing its part as baby carrier and a shroud for the dead, and has many other uses in between.

Photography by Toni Frissell (March 10, 1907 - April 17, 1988)

- This photograph was part of a series published in US Vogue -