Size: 20 x 20 cm

Material: pure sheep wool

The traditional indigenous Aymara Textiles are unique and represent the living culture of the Bolivian Andes, specifically of the "qaqachaca ayllu" in the southern department of Oruro in Bolivia. These textiles are considered Bolivia's traditional crafts. The Indian women use a traditional technique learned from their grandmothers. The spinning, dyeing and weaving of each textile is handmade and all are different, as each responds to the inspiration of the weaver at a given time. They tell us "I have in my mind what I will weave, the colours and designs, so I know, which colours I will dye, how much material I will use and what to represent in each textile". These textiles are made in wool, as it is a material more accessible to the weavers.

Each textile is unique, made or woven in a four stakes loom in the ground, the wool is dyed with natural dyes by the same weaver or community, especially the "thola", the "Lampaya" and "qeñua" plant of the area, and also the "cochineal" that is found in the valley area. 

They are woven by women for their husbands, brothers, children or for themselves. Men use them in ceremonial contexts and holidays to carry coca leaves that will be "akullikadas" (chewed). Youth use them as ornamental in the "waynus" of carnival. Women use them to save money. 

✔ Handmade under Fair Trade Conditions

✔ Each one is unique with meaningful motif

✔ Makes a delightful gift

✔ Gift wrapping available for $1

✔ Free 365 day return within Australia

✔ Comes with a story card that describes what it is and how it is made 

✔ Hurry this is the last one!

For details of our generous shipping and returns policy please click here.  

ARTISAN STORY

Artisan Group: Ayni Bolivia

Country: Bolivia

Ayni Bolivia is a member of the WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization) who monitors that fair trade principles are applied in Ayni Bolivia and therefore in its producers. It works with 25 small producer groups in Bolivia, and develops and markets their handicrafts or alpaca garments.