21”H x 15” W x 12”D

Bronze, Ed. 25

Maestria de la Reata depicts a traditional Mexican charro demonstrating his mastery of the rope.

The art of handling the riata was born mainly in Mexico. Few cowhands were available to work the large herds of wild cattle that were being gathered. Those cowhands became skilled with their ropes (riatas) out of necessity. Eventually the charros developed individual style with the rope, no longer just using it to accomplish a task, but giving birth to the art of roping with emphasis on aesthetic manipulation. Rope spinning was called Floreo de Reata, meaning making flowers with a rope. Charros became skilled artisans, and roping became a true art, requiring grace, poise and fluidity.

The art of the charro has been passed from generation to generation. Much discipline is involved in mastering the beautiful skills of fancy roping and rope spinning. Today the creativity and dexterity of the floreadors make the twirling action of their ropes seem magical as they draw their patterns in the air. ( - taken from by Frank Dean and Dr. Nacho Rodriguez)