lol, true. A 90 degree day out here isn't nearly as bad as it sounds though. The joke about Arizona heat is that it's a "dry heat" and, therefore, more tolerable. It's true though. Because it's a dry heat (and not humid), it doesn't feel nearly as hot as say 90F in a high humidity city. The velvets, though, are usually saved for "special" occasions. Daily traditional wear fabrics are usually much lighter. It could be a light velveteen top (have seen cotton as well) with a cotton broomstick skirt. Velvet is still highly prized. I never knew how many different colors and types of velvet there were until I walked into the general store on the reservation. I swear that I saw no less than 50 different colors/grades/types of velvet there. (Unfortunately, I believe this store recently closed. )

If you look at the older traditional dress, it's much looser and bares more skin. The daily temperature range makes sense that they would wear such dresses during the day but with a blanket shawl on hand for when the temperature starts to drop. I look at the outfits and don't wonder if they broil in them. I wonder how they stayed warm in the winter! lol

Stephanie

In every man there is something wherein I may learn of him, and in that I am his pupil.--Ralph Waldo Emerson