Tapadas Limeñas

Inspired by a three hundred year old tradition where many women in the upper classes in Lima, Peru, disguised themselves by partially covering their faces with a cloak, exposing one eye only to hide their identity to conduct inappropriate activities such as romantic liaisons, conspiracies, or intrigues.  They also wore a “saya,”  a tight skirt around the waist which was considered provocative at that time. These women were up to no good (depends on who you ask). This started in the sixteenth century and lasted until the early nineteenth century, when they decided to give up their disguises in favor of French fashion. During this period Peru was a viceroyalty of Spain, where the Viceroy ruled the country. He and/or with the support of members of the clergy tried in several occasions to pass edicts to outlaw these women from dressing like that, but somehow they found out, and with the help of certain men, were able to get away with it.

When designing the lamps, I took the liberty of deviating from the plain, dull or dark color cloaks worn by the original Tapadas and used different patterns, made them more colorful, and in a couple of them had both eyes exposed.