They gathered ponchos and a blanket, just in case afternoon showers arrived a bit early.
An important branch of this industry is the manufacture of " zarapes " (called ponchos " in other parts of Spanish America) - a blanket slit in the centre for the head to pass through, and worn in place of a coat by men of the lower classes.
They manufacture copper boilers for making sugar and understand several trades, weave ponchos and hammocks and make straw hats.
The vicuna also is celebrated for its wool, which the natives weave into beautiful and costly ponchos (blanket cloaks) and other wearing apparel.
Cashmere, baize, waterproof ponchos of fine wool and silk, and many other fabrics are made by the Indians of the Andean departments.
The woollen "zarapes" or "ponchos" of Saltillo are among the finest produced in Mexico.