The House of Decoys, Mexico

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The House of Decoys, Mexico

The House of Decoys, Mexico. Date: circa 1900s

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 14263358

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Casa Contracts Decoy Drama Dramatic Hook Mexican Mexico Money Sombrero Voluntary Decoys

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EDITORS COMMENTS
The House of Decoys, Mexico: A Glimpse into the Past This photograph, taken in Mexico during the late 1890s to early 1900s, offers a glimpse into a unique and intriguing aspect of Mexican history. Known as "La Casa de Enganches" or "The House of Decoys," this building served as a venue for a peculiar social phenomenon that was both voluntary and dramatic. The men and women gathered in this dimly lit room appear to be engaged in intense negotiations, their faces etched with concentration and determination. The men, dressed in hats and suits, lean in close to the women, who are adorned in traditional Mexican garments and colorful shawls. The atmosphere is tense, yet there is an undeniable sense of excitement and anticipation. The purpose of this gathering was the signing of "enganches," or contracts, which often involved arranged marriages or other types of commitments. The decoys, or women who posed as potential partners, were brought in to entice men into making a commitment. This practice, while not forced, relied on the element of surprise and the allure of the unknown. The table in the center of the room is strewn with bills and coins, indicating that money played a role in these negotiations. The sombreros and hats scattered about suggest that the proceedings were taking place in a rural or semi-rural area. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, where tradition and modernity intersected in a dramatic and intriguing way. It invites us to consider the complexities of human relationships and the role that culture and social norms play in shaping them.

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