Celebrating both the rebozo as a cultural icon of Mexico and the series
of rebozo-inspired paintings by Mexican-Californian artist Catalina
Gárate, this bilingual collection of poems gives voices of strength,
endurance, joy, and sorrow to the women of Gárate's paintings. The
rebozo is considered a physical manifestation of Mexican womanhood
throughout every stage of life and can be used as a tool of daily labor:
a sling to carry children, a shield from weather or from prying eyes, an
heirloom, and even a shroud. Inspired by each painting, these poems, in
both Spanish and English, are accompanied by a historical explanation of
the role of the rebozo in Mexican history, art, and culture.