Botas

NameLeggings

Artist Artist Not Recorded

Date19th century

Place madeNew Mexico, United States, North America

MediumBuckskin, cotton, wool, thread

DimensionsOverall, at longest points: 18 x 23 1/2 x 3/4 inches

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of the Historical Society of New Mexico, A5.1952.50

Object numberA5.1952.50

Provenance Formerly owned by the Abreu family of Taos. Acquired by B.S. Sweringen some years ago and presented to HSNM by Mrs. B.S. Sweringen on April 24, 1952.

DescriptionThese were the usual leg coverings of Spanish colonial times as neither boots nor modern chaps were known. Of very heavy, soft buckskin, lined with red manchester cloth (not faded), embroidery on both main body and flaps in green, white, purple and red (latter has faded), in floral designs and zigzags. Solid areas are embroidered in colcha stitch. The leggings are made right- and left-legged, so that the overflap is more embroidered than the insides. The edges are bound with black wool tape except the bottoms, which are hemmed of the buckskin. Fancifully-shaped panels of buckskin are appliqued on the borrom over the wearer's shins, each cut out with random round holes showing black cloth underneath. On the flaps are a cutout flower and six S-shapes on each of the pair, cut out of the leather, also showing black cloth beneath, the prototype of the colored cutout designs of modern cowboy boots. Exceedingly fine rare examples of pre-American New Mexican clothing.