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Belt

Nahua woman’s belt
ca. 1925
Milpa Alta, Federal District, Mexico
Wool yarn, cotton yarn, dye
322 x 8 cm
19/433

Nahua woven belts vary greatly in width, but traditionally and still today are worn to secure women’s heavy wrap-around skirts or men’s trousers. The top of the garment may be folded over the belt so that only the dangling ends are seen. In some areas of Mexico, midwives prescribe wearing belts to protect unborn children and safeguard the health of new mothers.

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