Page 305 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Argentina

SHOPPING IN ARGENTINA  303

Traditional Products Fileteado Art
Many shops in Buenos Aires sell Filete is a flamboyant folk
authentic gaucho ware and items art that has adorned
decorated with brightly colored shop fronts, buses, and
fileteado. Quality and prices can tango halls in Buenos
vary from shop to shop, so it is Aires since the 19th
best to look around before century. It typically
buying anything. Traditional sets ela borately
gaucho ware may also be found designed calligraphy
at estancias all across the country, within a stylized border
especially in Patagonia. of climbing plants, flowers,
or even dragons.
Wall-hanging embellished with
elaborate fileteado design
Gaucho Ware
Coltskin boots, sombreros, and bombachas
(cotton trousers) are typically worn by the
cowboys. Facones (knives) and espuelas
(spurs) are their accessories.
A typical gaucho hat
Traditional belt worn by cowboys

A pair of leather boots
Well-carved gaucho knife
Traditional spurs
Souvenirs
Fine wines and authentic leather goods make interesting
souvenirs. Wines are available at any shopping mall in
Buenos Aires. However, the best option is to visit a
vineyard in the Cuyo region or less well-known vineyards
in Salta to buy directly from the bodegas. Exotic leather
goods are available, mainly in the Northeast, but visitors
have to be careful about fakes.

Wines
Wines are labeled according to region and grape. The signature
red grape is Malbec from Mendoza and the Cuyo region. The
White wine from Red wine made with pick of Argentina’s white varieties is Torrontés, particularly
José L. Mounier Malbec grapes from the vineyards of Salta.

Leather Accessories
Most leather goods are hand made
from cowhide. Exo tic leathers
from the Northeast, used to make
luxury gifts, include caiman and Belt with pampa
lizard leathers. pattern

Leather dog collars commonly sold in street Leather handbag made from cow
stores in Buenos Aires and capybara leathers

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