The Rebozo Way Photography Show

Indigenous Babywearing in Latin America

The Rebozo Way Babywearing Photography Show is composed of 25 "8x10" color photographs, framed in wood and plexiglass, of women and girls carrying babies and toddlers in rebozos (traditional cloth carriers), in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas, México, and in Guatemala.

The show is a cultural and educational tool demonstrating the beauty and variety of rebozo babywearing in traditional cultures in Latin America. The photos are striking and impressive; they show children from newborn to age 3 or 4, mostly in the quiet alert state that is brought about by being worn in the rebozo; others are nursing or sleeping. The women (and a few girls) are generally active, involved at work at home, or in the marketplace; some are socializing. The photos depict the essence of the rebozo culture--the ability for the caretaker to participate in outer events while simultaneously caring for the child. The wide variety of color, sizes, weaves, positions, tying techniques, and fabrics of the rebozos, and the ease and self confidence of both caretaker and baby are clearly shown in the photos.

Especially because the age-old practice of babywearing is making a comeback among busy, active parents in the 21st century, the Rebozo Way Photography Show is ideal as an exhibit at a prenatal conference or clinic, and at any event for and gathering of new and expectant parents. It warms the heart and inspires confidence to embrace this way of being with our children. It can also be exhibited at events for professionals working in the fields of birthing, early parenting, and breastfeeding. The babywearing photography show can be used with the focus on its sociological, cultural, historical, and/or artistic value, including activities that promote Hispanic or feminine integrity, determination, and achievement.

Our goal has been to exhibit this show at conferences, events, clinics, and workshops throughout North America at different locations about once a month throughout the year. In actuality, the show has been exhibited much less, but has enjoyed audiences in six different states as well as in Mexico and Germany.

We are currently working on digitalizing all of the photos in versions for web as well as print quality; when we are done, we will be looking for a museum to donate the show.  We would love to be part of the National Museaum of the American Indian, part of the Smithsonian Institution.

 

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