Poncho of Andean inspired design in a flea market in Genoa, Italy

A poncho, punchu in Quechua (< Mapudungun pontro, blanket, woolen fabric)^[1][2][3] is an outer garment designed to keep the body warm or, if made from a watertight material, to keep dry during rain. Ponchos have been used by the Native American peoples of the Andes since pre-Hispanic times and are now considered typical South American garments.

Types of poncho[link]

The poncho is essentially a single large sheet of fabric with an opening in the center for the head with a piece of fabric that covers the head. Rainproof ponchos normally are fitted with fasteners to close the sides once the poncho is draped over the body, with openings provided for the arms; many have hoods attached to ward off wind and rain.

Alternative ponchos are now designed as fashion items. They are the same shape but of different material. They are designed to look fashionable and provide warmth while remaining breathable and comfortable, rather than to ward off wind and rain. These are often made out of wool or yarn, knitted or crocheted. Ponchos with festive designs or colors can be worn at special events as well.

Traditional ponchos[link]

Néstor Kirchner (right) wearing a poncho in 2004.

Mapuche cacique Lloncon wearing a poncho in 1890.

The poncho, was one of the typical clothes of the Paracas, a Pre-Inca Cultures around 500 B.C^[4]. The Poncho, nowadays, is commonly associated with the Americas. As traditional clothing, the local names and variants are:

• Poncho, most of Spanish-speaking countries and worldwide
• Chamanto, only in central Chile, poncho in the north and south
• Jorongo, usually larger or full-length, and often used for special occasions or horse-back riding
• Gaban, typical in Michoacán, Mexico
• Ruana, in cold regions of Colombia and Venezuela
• Zarape (pronounced "serape" in English, sometimes "sarape"), a poncho made in the Mexican state of Coahuila in north-eastern Mexico, near the city of Saltillo
• Poncho chilote, a heavy woolen poncho of Chiloé Archipelago.

The Aaron Fletcher poncho[link]

The poncho was first used on a regular basis in the 1850s by Aaron Fletcher in the Great Plains.^[5] These early military ponchos were made of gutta percha muslin, a latex-coated, waterproof cloth.^[6] Ponchos made of gutta-percha or India rubber coated cloth were officially adopted during the American Civil War, both as rain clothing and as a ground sheet for sleeping. While originally intended for cavalry forces, they were widely used by infantry as well; General Sherman's Union troops, lightly equipped and living off procurement demand from the local populace, wore ponchos during wet weather encountered during the march through Confederate Georgia to the sea.^[6]

Discontinued after the Civil War, the U.S. Army again issued ponchos of waterproof rubberized canvas to its forces during the Spanish-American War of 1898.^[7] Two years later, both the Army and the Marines were forced to issue waterproof rubberized cloth ponchos with high neck collars during the Philippine-American War in 1900.^[6] With the entry of the United States into World War I, both doughboys and Marines in France wore the poncho; it was preferred over the raincoat for its ability to keep both the wearer and his pack dry, as well as serving as a roof for a makeshift shelter.^[8]

Just prior to World War II, ponchos were significantly improved during testing with the U.S. Army Jungle Experimental Platoon in the jungles of Panama, incorporating new, lighter materials and a drawcord hood that could be closed off to form a rain fly or ground sheet.^[6] Ponchos were widely used by United States armed forces during World War II; even lightly equipped foot-mounted forces such as Merrill's Marauders, forced to discard tentage and all other unnecessary equipment, retained their blanket and poncho.^[9] During the 1950s, new lightweight coated nylon and other synthetic materials were developed for military ponchos. The poncho has remained in service ever since as a standard piece of U.S. military field equipment.^[6] Today, the United States armed forces issue ponchos that may be used as a field expedient shelter. These garments are also used by hunters, campers, and rescue workers.

During the World War II, the German Army (Wehrmacht) issued the Zeltbahn (see Shelter half), a poncho that could be combined to form tents. A typical four-man tent used four Zeltbahnen.

APEC leaders wearing chamantos during the 2004 summit

See also[link]

• Aguayo a typical Andean piece of cloth.
• Ruana
• Cape
• Cloak
• Belted plaid, a garment that could also double as a blanket or groundsheet.
• Rebozo longer scarf like shawl without hole, tied around shoulder and can be used to carry a baby.
• Baja Jacket

References[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ponchos

Poncho Sanchez (born October 30, 1951), a Mexican-American, is a conguero (conga player), Latin jazz band leader, and salsa singer. In 2000, Sanchez and his ensemble won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album for their work on the Concord Picante album Latin Soul. Sanchez has performed with artists Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaría, Hugh Masekela, Clare Fischer and Tower of Power, among others.^[1]

Early life[link]

The youngest of eleven children, Poncho Sanchez was born in Laredo, Texas. He was reared in Norwalk, California. Growing up, Sanchez was exposed to and influenced by two very different styles of music: Afro-Cuban music (mambo, son, cha-cha, rumba, guaracha, salsa) by greats such as Tito Puente, and bebop jazz, including the works of Charlie Parker. Originally a guitarist, he discovered his talent for singing during an audition for an R&B band "The Halos" that rehearsed across the street from where he lived with his neighborhood friend Ralph Vasquez then becoming the lead vocalist of the group. Sanchez would later go on to teach himself the flute, drums, and timbales before finally deciding to pursue conga-playing in high school.

Career[link]

In 1975, Sanchez's idol, vibraphonist Cal Tjader, invited him to perform one set with his band. Seeing the young man's talent, Tjader hired Sanchez for a week before officially making him a full member of the ensemble. Sanchez played a crucial role as conguero for several years until Tjader's death in 1982.

Before he died, Tjader suggested that Concord Records founder Carl Jefferson sign Sanchez and his soon-to-be-formed group under the Concord Picante label. Tjader's wishes were honored, and the first two records were composed and arranged by long-time Tjader collaborator Clare Fischer.

Poncho Sanchez went on to produce 19 albums for the label, eventually garnering a Grammy for his work. Currently, Sanchez is respected as one of the top American percussionists of our time. He performs frequently in venues varying in size from concert halls to local jazz festivals. His 2005 CD, Do It!, features the iconic funk band Tower of Power on two tracks as well as South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela.

Discography[link]

• Sonando - 1982
• Baila Mi Gente: Salsa! - 1982
• Bien Sabroso - 1983
• El Conguero - 1985
• Papa Gato - 1986
• Gaviota - 1986
• Fuerte - 1987
• La Familia - 1988
• Chile Con Soul - 1989
• A Night At Kimball's East - 1990
• Bailar - 1990
• Cambios - 1990
• El Mejor - 1992
• Para Todos - 1993
• Soul Sauce - 1995
• Conga Blue - 1995
• Freedom Sound - 1997
• Afro-Cuban Fantasy - 1998
• Latin Soul - 1999
• Poncho Sanchez - The Concord Jazz Heritage Series - 2000
• Soul of the Conga - 2000
• Latin Spirits - 2001
• Ultimate Latin Dance Party - 2002
• Instant Party: Poncho Sanchez - 2004
• Poncho at Montreux - 2004
• Out of Sight! - 2004
• Do It! - 2005
• Raise Your Hand - 2007
• Psychedelic Blues - 2009
• Chano Y Dizzy! - 2011

References[link]

External links[link]

• DrummerWorld. "Poncho Sanchez". [1]
• Gerber, Lewis. "Poncho Sanchez". [2]
• VH1.com. "VH1.com: Poncho Sanchez". [3]
• Official Website