When the early Spanish and Mexican colonists came to settle Texas, they brought with them a rich culture, the diversity of which is nowhere more evident than in the folk art, folk craft, architecture. This first book-length publication to focus on Texas-Mexican material culture shows the richness of Tejano folk arts and crafts traditions.

"From the aesthetics of saddles to the display of outdoor religious shrines. . . . this richly illustrated survey demonstrates how folk arts and crafts provide Mexican Americans . . . with a sense of continuity and reaffirmed identity."— Publishers Weekly

"The 50th volume . . . of the Texas Folklore Society . . . could not have found a finer exemplar of its rich tradition . . . nor firmer evidence that its next 50 numbers will probably be as exemplary. . . . It really must be on the shelf of every professional folklorist and amateur folklorist."— Journal of Popular Culture

"An important addition to the study of Mexican-American material culture . . . a valuable tool for future researchers."— Southwestern Historical Quarterly

"The broad cultural diversity of Texas-Mexicans is apparent in this examination of the wide variety of crafts with roots from many regions of Mexico and Spain. . . . a welcome addition to both academic and public libraries."— Library Journal

". . . a valuable addition to the study of folk art forms . . . I recommend it for anyone with an interest in Texas-Mexican culture."— Western Historical Quarterly

Joe S. Graham , folklorist/anthropologist at Texas A&M University, Kingsville, worked under Don Americo Paredes in Mexican-American folklore at the University of Texas. His other books include El Rancho in South Texas: Continuity and Change from 1750.