The Oaxacan Chinas

Typical dress of the city of Oaxaca de Juárez, specifically of "El barrio de la china", so called, probably because of the ceramic plates with Chinese iconography that were made in the workshops.

Interestingly, remains of these plates have been found in various excavations throughout all the Central Valleys.

The Oaxacan china wears a basket with religious symbols on her head as penance. Her gold jewelry is a family legacy, the gold bow she wears on her left side when she is single and on the right side when they are married.

Her skirt is a journey through all the Central Valleys, with figures of fretwork, peaks, waves and bits, which simulate pre-Hispanic art.

The clothing is made up of satin lace and silk ribbons, blouses with satin stitch embroidered straps, and pepenado de hilván (technique to embroider on the weft and warp of the fabric) known as "do me if you can".

For jewelry they use filigree that consists of making gold threads and making chinitos (small Chinese stones).

Filigree is a technique that mixes Arab and Spanish procedures that were incorporated into jewelry, Oaxacan works are recognized for their originality.

They appeared for the first time in 1957 in the roundabout of the lilies.

Three days before a main festivity, they walk through all the streets to the sound of the music band, carrying their baskets on their heads, which can weigh up to 20 kg.

"My chinita" is an expression of affection towards women, "Come on my chinita" or "I love you so much my chinita".