The Gaucho

From ZATTERA. Vera Stedile. Traje Gaucho Tipico. Porto Alegre, 1989

The inhabitant of Pampas, vast open fields of northeast Argentina, south Brazil, Uruguay and part of Paraguay known as Gaucho, was a cultural and a blood mestizo. He inherited the tenacity from the natives of the region, what  included many different tribes of Gê culture, along with Portuguese and Spanish steadiness.

The man of the Pampas  has created his dress according to his style of life. Being a cattle hunter, then a estanciero, the Gaucho was dressed in a way that all these characteristics were present: The chiripá (a kind of skirt), the poncho, the palla, the cannon boots, vast and shirt with wide sleeves. Nothing that could obstruct his open and wide movements.

On the battlefield the Gaucho was a fierce opponent, mainly when he took part as member of cavalry. During the War of  Cisplatine, the cavalry of both sides were formed of these valiant warriors. It was a common place a Gaucho from Rio Grande be enrolled in Lavalleja's army or, on the contrary, an individual that was born in Uruguay be on the Imperial side. Maybe this happened because the Gaucho was not entirely loyal to any of the new-born countries of La Plata. He was free to fight on any side he choose.

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