Ponchos: Art for Survival

In the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina there is a small town called San Antonio de Areco, homeland of the fabled literary gaucho Don Segundo Sombra, who appears in the eponymous novel by Ricardo Güiraldes. 

There is a museum there dedicated to this iconic Argentine author, the Museo Gauchesco Ricardo Güiraldes, which celebrates Argentine culture through the figure of the gaucho. More than a cowboy, he is a symbol of masculinity, a folk hero, and an emblem of pampean pride.


Image: belt. Image above: poncho. 

Although the poncho is inseparable from the figure of the gaucho, it existed far before him. It has its origins in indigenous Andean culture, lovingly woven by family members to protect husbands, fathers and sons through war and weather. The thick weave provided the wearer’s body with a strong layer of protection, simultaneously leaving the hands free for holding reigns, wielding weapons, and, once adopted by gauchos, launching lassos and boleadoras. 

In this way, it was the ideal garment for the nomadic horsemen of Argentina and Uruguay known as gauchos. Protective from cold, sun, rain, wind and snow, the poncho was a rectangular piece of cloth that could double as a blanket or sleeping mat. 


Image: poncho.

The poncho was an indicator of regional heritage and local pride, its patterning and colouring indicative of and unique to the area in which it was woven. Weaving techniques and tradition were passed down locally over generations, leading to the association between different styles, fabric dyes and patterns with specific regions. 

The heavily romanticised, evocative figure of the Argentine gaucho has no doubt contributed to the enduring popularity of the poncho today, worn still by Argentine cowhands as well as modern city dwellers. Their rich history has made them an emblem of Argentine culture, and they are singular in their beauty and multiplicity of uses. 


Image: border.

You can find Ponchos displayed at the José Hernández Folk Art Museum in Buenos Aires and the Museo Gauchesco Ricardo Güiraldes in San Antonio de Areco. 

Text by Maya Sajnani

Find out more
museoguiraldes.areco.gob.ar