The Vaqueros: Mexico's Original Cowboys and Their Lasting Influence on American Cowboy Culture
What are Mexican Cowboys Called?
Mexican cowboys are called "vaqueros," skilled horsemen and cattle herders whose traditions and expertise, dating back to the 16th century, significantly shaped the American cowboy culture and practices.
If you're interested in cowboy culture, particularly the origins and history of the iconic American cowboy, you'll want to learn about the vaqueros - the original Mexican cowboys.
The term "vaquero" (pronounced vah-keh-ro) comes from the Spanish words "vaca" meaning cow, and "ero" meaning worker or herder. So vaqueros were essentially "cow workers" or "cowboys" in the earliest sense.
History of Mexican Cowboys
The Mexican cowboy, or Vaquero, tradition predates and heavily influenced what we know as the American cowboy way of life.
Mexican vaqueros developed specialized skills in horseriding, roping calves, and herding cattle on the vast ranches of Mexico and the Southwestern United States. Many iconic cowboy equipment and practices like chaps, lariats, and even rodeos can trace their roots back to vaquero culture.
While the Anglo American cowboy tradition gets much of the glory, the vaqueros were the true trailblazers and experts when it came to working cattle from horseback. Their centuries-old techniques and knowledge were essential to the massive cattle ranching industry that emerged in the American West.
Unfortunately, despite their immense contributions, the vaqueros were often depicted negatively as "bandits and revolutionaries" after the Mexican Revolution. Their historical significance was marginalized for many years in popular culture.
Today, there is a resurgence of interest and appreciation for the skills, traditions, and enduring influence of the vaquero cowboys. If you want to learn more about or celebrate this important piece of cowboy heritage, consider purchasing books on vaquero history or authentic vaquero accessories and apparel from cultural vendors.
For those wanting to experience the vaquero lifestyle, luxury dude ranches in Texas and the Southwest sometimes offer specialized vaquero horsemanship experiences and lessons taught by experts steeped in the vaquero way of riding and handling cattle and horses. It's a unique opportunity to connect with the roots of cowboy culture.
History of Vaqueros in Mexico
Origins and Early History
The term "vaquero" comes from the Spanish word "vaca" meaning "cow", and refers to the Mexican cowboys who herded cattle on ranches.
Vaqueros were the original cowboys of Mexico, developing specialized skills in horseriding, roping, and cattle herding that would later influence the American cowboy tradition.
The vaquero tradition has its roots in the Iberian Peninsula and was further developed in Mexico starting in the 16th century, after the Spanish arrived and established cattle ranches. In the early colonial period, the vaqueros were predominantly of African (mulatto) and Indigenous descent.
By the late 16th and 17th centuries, the vaquero population became predominantly mestizo (mixed Spanish and Indigenous).
Vaquero Culture and Influence
Vaqueros were known for their elaborate clothing and equipment, including short boots with riding heels, fancy buttons and vents on their pants, protective brush cuffs, and the traditional Mexican sombrero.
Many cowboy traditions and terminology, such as chaps, lariats, and rodeos, trace their origins back to the vaquero culture. Vaqueros had a significant influence on the development of the American cowboy lifestyle.
Duties of Vaqueros
Herding and Tending to Cattle
Vaqueros were hired by Spanish colonists to herd and manage cattle and livestock on their ranches. They developed specialized skills in horseriding, roping, and cattle herding essential to the industry. Vaqueros were responsible for tasks like branding, collecting, and moving cattle for slaughter as well as other ranch maintenance.
Participating in the Hide and Tallow Trade
Many vaqueros were involved in the colonial hide and tallow trade, driving cattle to the coasts of Mexico. This influenced their increasingly elaborate clothing with fancy accents.
Skilled Ranch Laborers
Vaqueros made up a large portion of the cowboy workforce across ranches in Mexico and the American Southwest. They were known for superior livestock handling skills compared to Anglo counterparts.
Role of Mexican Cowboys the Mexican Revolution
During the Mexican Revolution between 1910-1919, vaqueros were often negatively depicted as "bandits and revolutionaries" in popular American media and Western literature. This portrayal contributed to their marginalization and the downplaying of their historical significance, despite their essential role in the cattle industry.
The Revolution led to increased anti-Mexican sentiment along the border. The Texas Rangers grew as an official law enforcement agency targeting "Mexican bandits." Vaqueros' wages remained low compared to the US median income into the 1970s, not commensurate with their importance.
What Mexican Cowboys Wore
Hats: Large, wide-brimmed sombreros to shield from the sun
Shirts/Jackets: Serapes (shawl-like garments) rather than plaid shirts
Pants/Boots: Tight embroidered leather/suede suits with riding heeled boots
Accessories: Handmade saddles, braided horsehair lariats/lazos (inspiration for lassos), tooled leather belts
Influence on American Cowboy Culture
The vaqueros' skills in horseriding, roping, and cattle herding directly influenced American cowboys. Traditions like chaps, lariats, rodeos, and more originated from vaquero culture.
Despite being marginalized, the vaqueros' impact on the iconic cowboy lifestyle was immense.
Other Key Facts
Marginalization and negative "bandit" depictions in media/literature
Essential role and skills in the Southwest cattle industry
Distinctive clothing/equipment like sombreros, serapes, heeled boots
Cultural preservation efforts like charreadas (Mexican rodeos)
Famous Vaqueros
Francisco Garcia: Led the first organized TX cattle drive in 1779
Oliver Loving: Early TX cattle industry pioneer, blazed Goodnight-Loving Trail
Ignatio Flores: One of the greatest vaquero trackers, captured by Comanches
El Tejano: Bandit who robbed from rich Americans to give to poor Mexicans
Joaquin Murietta: Vaquero who sought revenge on those who killed his family
Juan Cortina: Politician and outlaw among the vaqueros
Mexican Cowboys vs American Cowboys
If you're interested in cowboy culture, you'll want to learn about the vaqueros - the original Mexican cowboys whose skills and traditions laid the foundations for the iconic American cowboy of the Wild West era.
The key differences between vaqueros and American cowboys lie in their origins, clothing/equipment, skills/practices, and depiction in popular culture:
Origins and History
Vaqueros were the first true "cowboys" of North America, developing specialized ranching skills in Mexico in the 16th century when the Spanish arrived and established cattle ranches.
The American cowboy tradition emerged later, with Anglo settlers adopting and adapting many vaquero techniques and gear for ranch work.
Clothing and Equipment
Vaqueros wore large sombreros, serapes, and boots with riding heels, while American cowboys had smaller hats, lacked serapes, and wore flat square-toed boots.
Vaqueros handmade their own saddles and braided horsehair lariats/lazos for roping, which inspired the iconic American lasso.
Skills and Traditions
Vaqueros were highly skilled in areas like horseriding, roping calves, and cattle herding from a young age. These skills passed down to American cowboys.
American cowboys developed their own unique traditions like rodeos, bucking broncos, and campfire storytelling over time.
Depiction of Mexican Cowboys in Popular Culture
After the Mexican Revolution, vaqueros were often negatively stereotyped as "bandits/revolutionaries" in American books and films.
The American cowboy figure became more romanticized as a rugged, heroic loner in popular Wild West tales and Hollywood westerns.
So in summary, while vaqueros and American cowboys both worked as cattle herders, the vaquero tradition was the original - influencing everything from ranch skills and gear to cowboy lingo. Although chronically underappreciated, the vaqueros' impact on cowboy culture was immense.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.