Yaqui Sheepherder [Press Photo]
Name/Title
Yaqui Sheepherder [Press Photo]Description
Miguel, a typical West Texas sheepherder, says he is 98 years old. However, he is still active and tends a flock of 1800 sheep. Miguel is part Yaqui and he is self-sustaining. His leather sandals are hand made, he spins the cloth for his breeches and tunic and his hat is fashioned from dried cactus leaves. Tourists going to Texas for any of the Centennial celebrations this year will see hundred of sheepherders just as picturesque as Miguel.Context
With the partido system of sheep ranching, sheep owners hired individual herders to tend the animals. Customarily, herders and owners entered into contracts as to the length of service and wages. It was common for the sheepherder to tend about 1,500 sheep. He remained with them day and night, moved them from range to range, and participated in lambing, shearing, and other activities associated with sheep raising. At the end of the term of the contract the herder received his wages, took a brief respite from the range, and subsequently entered into a new contract.Category
Handbook of Tejano History
TSHA Special Projects