Resurgence of a Vaquero Tradition The ethos of the American Cowboy is beloved around the world. It borrowed many traditions from its Spanish speaking compadres and endured because of what cowboy culture represents: timeless values, a simpler way of life, connection to the land, and authenticity. One of the traditions is rawhide braiding which is traced back 5000 years to the Moors along the seacoast of northern Africa. Their conquest and domination of Spain from 711-1492 significantly advanced the art and style of braiding. Spaniard H. Cortez invaded Mexico in 1519 and his Spanish conquistadors skilled in the art of leatherwork and braiding taught the native Indians of Mexico. The conquistadors became owners of large haciendas and employed vaqueros to handle cattle. The vaqueros took pride in their use and appearance of the leather and rawhide equipment they made and used. The vaquero migrated northward with the cattle industry into the ranchos of California. The competitive nature of these “rawhiders” elevated braiding into distinctive and beautiful classic styles. It was common to see vaqueros using braided rawhide headstalls, bridle reins with romal, riatas, hobbles, quirts, bosals and other types of horse gear. As cattle handling styles changed, and vaqueros found other sources of employment and easier work, the demand for the style of vaquero braiding in daily horsemanship activities began to diminish. Currently rawhide braiding, a functional art form, is experiencing something of a resurgence. Interest among horsemen and students hoping to learn the craft is higher than it’s been in decades. Aspiring makers have more educational opportunities available than at any time in history and, as a result, skill levels have risen. Today there are braiders producing museum grade pieces. Rawhide braiding differs from tanned leather. Using the raw hide results in stiffer and more durable crafted items, as its hardness and shapability render it more suitable for working cowboy gear. When it comes to hide preparation, braiders employ a wide variety of methods to dry fresh hides, remove hair and soften hides for cutting and braiding. The Process- “From Hide to Horse” STRINGING A fresh hide is stretched and strung on a frame DRYING After the coyotes and magpies have cleaned the flesh DEHAIRING from the hide. Using ash, the hair is scraped from the hide. Using Finished Rawhide Working with rolls of cured hide, artists begin making strings by splitting, cutting and beveling. Tools of the Trade: Braided, Twisted and Tied Finished rawhide Bosal hackamores Finished bridle and romal reins A Braiders’ Gathering Will be hosted in Siskiyou County During the Working Art exhibition. Siskiyou County is home to two master braiders, C Ralph Dillon and Don Brown, with almost a combined century of experience in braiding. These braiders have workshopped with the world’s best. This exhibit will showcase their braiding, along with invitations to the most talented in the industry. Note: If possible the show could occur during the Jefferson State Stampede, for maximum exposure to people interested in this type of art..