In the late 19th century, there were women in Lima, Peru, known as ‘Tapadas Limeñas’ who used to wear peculiar costumes. They wore ‘Saya’, an overskirt and ‘manto’ (veil or wrap). The saya was an overskirt, worn tight at the waist and raised to show off feet and ankles. The manto was a thick veil fastened to the back of the waist. It covered the whole body and face so closely that all that was left uncovered was a small triangular space sufficient for one eye to peep through.
The Tapadas Limeñas were found exotic at that time, and their mysterious appearance even attracted some men. As a consequence, the Church and some other laws prohibited these clothes. Still, women kept on wearing these clothes till deep in the 19th century. They believed it was ethical, but mainly because they didn’t want to give up their freedom.
