Rebozo

In 2013 I took part in a REBOZO day with Stacia Smales Hill, which opened my eyes and heart to the wonder and versatility of this ancient tradition. It is woven into Mexican culture, moving with woman through her life and remains part of birth culture there.

Cultural context is of the highest importance. Giving oral honour to the line of women and teachers of rebozo, who have shared their wisdom, is of necessary significance. Here we acknowledge its roots, sharing the highest intention to use rebozo for the benefit of women.

My son, Connor, spent a year in Mexico in 2016, with a mission (from me!) to note its evidence and use, which is more visible when you move out of urban areas. It is used for protection from the sun, a shawl for warmth, a privacy cover, to carry loads, to belly wrap, for massage, during birth, to carry baby, cerrada ceremony … and also in death, as a shroud.

In San Cristobal he found a small co-op of traditional weavers within an indigenous community. This is a good way to support ethical production, where prices are set and not open to bartering.

I feel fortunate to have one of their beautiful rebozos, and also a faja woven by them too; this is used during postpartum as womb support and womb wellness. In Mexico these are usually red, which symbolises energetic protection for pregnancy and post-partum.

I use both of these personally and as part of my care with women during pregnancy, birth and post-partum.

Connor also spent time at Project Somos in Guatemala, where he shared cooking skills with the children and their Mothers as well as being involved with plans for future education buildings there, offering hi skills as an Architect.