Among the many powerful images preserved from the Mexican Revolution, one photograph stands out.
It shows a young woman dressed in revolutionary attire — wearing bandoliers across her chest and holding weapons like the soldiers of the era.
Her name is Herlinda Wong Chew.
The portrait, preserved by the El Paso Museum of History, identifies her as a “Yaqui Indian girl revolutionist.”
What makes Herlinda Wong Chew especially remarkable is her background.
Her surname reflects Chinese heritage, reminding us that Chinese immigrant families had been living in northern Mexico and along the U.S.–Mexico border since the 1800s. Many became deeply integrated into local communities.
Herlinda’s portrait captures a moment in history when women stepped beyond traditional roles during the revolution.
Images like hers symbolize the courage of the women known as Adelitas or Soldaderas, who marched with revolutionary armies and helped shape the course of Mexico’s history.
Even today, Herlinda Wong Chew’s photograph stands as a reminder that the Mexican Revolution was not only fought by famous generals.
It was also carried forward by women, immigrants, and everyday people whose stories still echo through history.
🇲🇽 A young woman.
⚔️ A revolutionary era.
📸 And a powerful image that continues to inspire curiosity about the many faces of Mexico’s past.
Source: cronicasmexicanas
