teguas

(Sp. model spelled same [tégwas] < Náhuatl tehuan 'that which accompanies others')

   Bentley: 1889. Originally, lightweight rawhide ankle-length moccasins that lace in the front. Santamaría indicates that this term may be spelled various ways in Mexico (teguas, tejas, tejuanas, texas), and refers to a nation of Indians that inhabit Baja California and New Mexico (in English, Tewa). The term was subsequently generalized to other footwear, such as huarache sandals used by the Indians. The sandals are now worn by others besides the Tewa Indians and the term is known throughout northwestern Mexico. Sobarzo indicates that the sandals were worn by the Apaches. He suggests that the name comes from a Sonoran Indian language, possibly from the Cahita word begua 'leather; calfskin.' Islas notes that the sandals are worn principally by peasants, especially those in Chihuahua, Mexico.