CUERA MICHOACANA
This piece is a Cuera MichoacanaThis coat, emblematic of ranching attire and also known as "de chinaco" in certain historical periods. It is a lasca gabardine made of suede, designed with a back opening to facilitate its use when riding a horse and provide protection against inclement weather.
This garment is famous for being part of the attire of the independence hero. José María Morelos y Pavónwho, together with his regiment, the "Cuerudos de Apatzingán", made the cuera a symbol of resistance and regional pride.
Originally worn by peasants, leather was ideal for coping with Michoacán's terrain, characterized by its thorny flora. When engaged in tasks such as herding cattle, peasants used these garments as a shield against thorny branches, reflecting their practical functionality and connection to rural life in the region.