Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WEAVING
Bolivian textiles come in diverse patterns displaying a degree of skill resulting from mil-
lennia of artistry and tradition. The most common piece is a
manta
or
aguayo,
a square
shawl made of two handwoven strips joined edge to edge. Also common are the
chuspa
(coca pouch),
chullo
(knitted hat),
falda
(skirt), woven belts and touristy items such as
camera bags made from remnants.
Regional differences are manifested in weaving style, motif
and use. Weavings from Tarabuco often feature intricate
zoomorphic patterns, while distinctive red-and-black designs
come from Potolo, northwest of Sucre. Zoomorphic patterns are
also prominent in the wild Charazani country north of Lake Tit-
icaca and in several Altiplano areas outside La Paz, including
Lique and Calamarka.
Some extremely fine weavings originate in Sica Sica, one of
the many dusty and nondescript villages between La Paz and
Oruro, while in Calcha, southeast of Potosí, expert spinning and
an extremely tight weave - more than 150 threads per inch -
produce Bolivia's finest textiles.
Vicuña fibers, the finest and most expensive in the world, are
produced in Apolobamba and in Parque Nacional Sajama.
Further Study
»
La Misk'isimi
(Sweet Mouth
in Quechua) Story by Adolfo
Costa du Rels.
»
www.mamani.com
Contem-
por- ary Aymará artist Mamani
Mamani.
»
Sayari
Breakthrough film
with an all-indigenous cast dir-
ected by Mela Márques.
