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Argentina Gauchos
The Nomads Of The Pampas
In the 17th century the Argentina Gauchos were a mix of the local Indians and of those with European or African roots. Not accepted by either group, the Gaucho was left to learn about life on his own. "Gaucho" meant vagabond and "Guacho" meant orphan. The word Gaucho then came to mean both ophan and vagabond.
The Gaucho had to learn on his own how to capture wild horses and tame them. Living the life of a loner, the Gaucho roamed the plains of the Pampas. He ate mostly beef and drank Yerba Mate, the strong herbal tea-like mixture that is still popular in South America today.
Argentina Gauchos entered into common-law marriages with Gauchas who raised their children and tended the crops. The sons of the Gauchos would follow in the "bootsteps" of their fathers.
The Gaucho owned little except for his horse and
facon -- a long sharp knife, and a boleadora -- strips of leather containing stones and used as a lariat. His clothing consisted of a wide hat, woolen poncho or neck scarf, baggy trousers called bombachas, and knee high leather boots. The boots were made from skinned hides that were fastened to the Gaucho's legs. Over time they would shrink into a custom fit!
Eventually Spanish landowners in need of good ranch hands took the Gauchos in as herdsmen for their ranches. This brought an end to their nomadic lifestyle.
When Argentina wanted independence from Spain, the able-bodied Gaucho was recruited for military service. Every year June 16th is celebrated in honor of the Gaucho's contribution to the War of Independence.
A folkloric dance called a Malambos, in the style of Spanish Flamenco, is performed by Gauchos and based on the rhythm of horses' hooves across the Pampas. With origins in the 1600's, the Gaucho Ballet is highlighted by decorative movements of the feet -- brushing the floor and then striking the floor with the heel and spur of the boot.
A Gaucho Ballet Performed in Ushuaia, January, 2003
The
Argentina Gauchos
still exist on ranches today.
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