In Patagonia, a nomadic people called the Tehuelches inhabited the vast territory between the Santa Cruz River and the Straits of Magellan.
The introduction of horses by European settlers marked a major turning point in their history. The horses multiplied rapidly and were soon hunted for their meat and their hides, used to make clothing. Horse hide was tanned, then decorated by women-always with the same geometric patterns. The resulting garments were worn at special events like weddings and funerals.