Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Expertly laid out, with precise text explanations in Spanish, English, French and German,
the museum introduces the different ethnic groups with maps and colour photos, then ex-
plains the weaving techniques and describes the different plants used to make natural dyes.
There is often a Jalq'a or Tarabuceño woman weaving away in the courtyard as you wander
aroundthemuseum,soyoucanseethecreativeprocessinaction.The
archeological finds
on
display demonstrate that many of the wood and bone weaving tools in use today are identical
to those used in the Andes more than a thousand years ago, while some beautiful and well-
preserved ancient
textile fragments
reveal an astonishing continuity of style, technique and
aesthetic vision stretching back over many centuries. The central attractions, though, are the
weavings themselves: brightly coloured, intricately detailed and laden with a complex sym-
bolism, they're works of great creativity that express a distinctively Andean artistic vision.
The textiles are displayed in chronological order, revealing the development and changing
style over time. There are also examples of how they are worn in daily dress and in ritual
costumes for fiestas.
