Rodriguez looks at the Matachines dance as it is performed in two areas along the U.S./Mexico border. She discusses at great length the different structures, presentations, and meanings of this ritual procession dance to the people of these two areas, as well as examinig the Matachines' cultural background. Other books on Matachines contain similar information, but most stop short of the depth and precision of Rodriguez's work. Matachines is an old and extremely complex art form, and Rodriquez successfully tackles the task of discussing days' worth of variations in costume, execution, characterization, and finally the attitudes and beliefs of individuals in both communities towards their cultural dance. The many photographs work well to demonstrate and enhance Rodriguez's findings.