El Charro, or man on horseback, has represented the spirit of
independent Mexico since he played an important role in the 1821
revolution. He is the Mexican version of the American cowboy,
only much older, arising from the ranch culture first brought to
Mexico by the Spanish.
	
    The charreada is his rodeo, his opportunity to show off both his
skills with rope and horse and his decorative, elegant costume. It is
at the center of Mexican heritage and self-image, a source of
mythology and genuine heroes that has been brought to Texas by
immigrants. And since 1989, it has included women, charras, who
participate in elaborate and difficult riding formations. San
Antonio photographer Al Rendon has taken this ideal subject for
the camera and created a collection of splendid sepia photographs
reproduced in duotone. The photos juxtapose the grit of the arena
with the poise and polish of the charros, charras, and their horses.

    The essays, by Julia Hambric, Bryan Woolley, and  F. E.
Abernethy, describe the history of the charreada and its roots in
Mexican culture. Hambric's essay also details the costumes and
events prescribed by tradition and the Federacion Nacional de
Charro. Together, this is a unique examination of an important part
of Mexico's heritage.

_________________________________________________________

AL RENDON is the owner of Rendon Photography & Fine Art in
San Antonio. A photographer since he has been able to hold a
camera, his images have appeared in Newsweek, USA Today,
Texas Monthly, and numerous other books and magazines. JULIA
HAMBRIC holds degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso
and is currently teaching in the Ysleta Independent School District.
BRYAN WOOLLEY is features writer for The Dallas Morning
News. Francis Edward Abernethy is the executive secretary and
editor of the Texas Folklore Society and Regents Professor
Emeritus of English at Stephen F. Austin State University. His
many publications include Tales from the Big Thicket and TFS
books Singin' Texas and Built in Texas, all from UNT Press.



Publications of the Texas Folklore Society LIX


What people are saying about this book

"Al Rendon . . . captures the pageantry of the charreada in grand,
voluptuous still lifes—particularly . . . the 'Escaramuza Charra,'
the female form of the charreada. Shot with a wide lens, the
synchronized riding drills are painterly, ethereal portraits of the
charras."—Shermakaye Bass, Austin-American Statesman