What is a Colombian ruana?
A ruana (possibly from Spanish ruana “ragged” or Quechua ruana “textile”) is a poncho-style outer garment native to the Colombian Andes. A ruana may or may not come with a hood to cover the head.
What is the difference between a poncho and a ruana?
A poncho is essentially a large square of fabric with an opening in the center for the head. The ruana is a version of the poncho, originating in the cold Andes Mountains. It’s the same large square of fabric, but instead of an opening for the head this style has a slit down the front to the hem.
What is the cultural significance of the ruana?
The ruana, once a beloved and personal treasure, fell from grace to become a poor man’s garment, worn only by those conquered, and it eventually became little more than a symbol of the lowest class. For centuries, the ruana would be regarded with distaste and contempt, used to mark its wearer with shame.
What is the difference between a ruana and a kimono?
A kimono is more of a jacket. It has sleeves that can be narrow or wide, long or short. It is usually open in the front, but can come with or without a belt or tie to keep it closed. A ruana is usually worn open, although the fashion police won’t put you away if you wear it with a belt for a more cinched in look.
What does a ruana look like?
The word ruana comes from the ‘Chibcha’ meaning “Lord of Blankets”. They are usually square or rectangle-shaped with a head hole and a slit from that hole down the middle to the edge. They’re very thick, soft, sleeveless and are usually knee-length. Shawls are usually long and rectangular; almost like a scarf.
Who wears ponchos?
Ponchos have been used by the Native American peoples of the Andes and Patagonia since pre-Hispanic time, from places now under the territory of Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina and are now considered typical South American garments.
Can you wear a ruana with a dress?
While a ruana can be styled just like a poncho and looks great with a knit top and jeans for the weekend, it’s a style that can also work for the office. The left look is a way you can wear a ruana with a dress; having the dress short will keep the look from being frumpy.
What does the word ruana mean?
poncho
: a woolen covering resembling a poncho.
Does a ruana have sleeves?
A ruana is one large piece of cloth that falls down the back, over the shoulders and down the front. It has no sleeve closures, rather just drapes over the shoulders and is kept in place with your arms, although I have seen and heard of people using a pin or a pretty brooch to keep them in place.
What is the shape of a ruana?
The word ruana comes from the ‘Chibcha’ meaning “Lord of Blankets”. They are usually square or rectangle-shaped with a head hole and a slit from that hole down the middle to the edge. They’re very thick, soft, sleeveless and are usually knee-length.