 Sedona's red rock formations and pinion-juniper landscape made an ideal setting for numerous Western movies. Many of the most popular movie "cowboys" made films here. But the real cowboys are an important part of Sedona's heritage as well. Ranching was a major part of the area's economy in the early days, and continues in a modern form today.
Riding, roping and branding
were not just rodeo sports to these hardy men -- yes, and some women.
They moved their cattle around the Verde Valley and Mogollon Rim
with the seasons and drove them to market. They made their
own ropes and branding irons, and their meals were often cooked
on the ground over an open fire. That's what you'll learn
about in the Cowboy Room at Sedona Heritage Museum.
The English word "lariat" is derived from the Spanish "la reata" for "rope". "Lasso" is from the Spanish word for "noose". The terms "reata" and "lass rope" are mostly used in this area. The reata is of unknown origin, but the Spanish were using it when they came to the Southwest.
Mexican rope-makers are called "reateros". Most reatas are nowmanufactured commercially, but some cowboys still make their own. Originally, reatas were not made for tying hard and fast like is done today. They were used to "dally" -- to wrap around the saddle horn. "Dally" is from the Spanish "dar la vuelta".
To the cowboy, the rope is an extension of his arm. His tack includes various ropes -- reins to control his horse, hobbles, halters, tie ropes, pigging strings, and lead ropes for leading pack animals or cattle.
Some modern cowboys still use the traditional rawhide reata, but other types are now more widely used. The horsehair "mecate" ropes are braided into hackamores, head stalls and reins. Others are twisted into strands, and the strands are twisted into heavier ropes for leads, picket ropes, bedroll ropes etc.
Some people believe that horsehair rope, laid on the ground, will keep rattlesnakes out of the bed. (Don't depend on it.) |
