Ana Vargas de Espinoza

Bolivia

Year(s) attended: 2009, 2011

Asociacion de Artesanos Andinos

Weaving

In the highlands of Bolivia, the Quechua and Aymara peoples have been weaving textiles since pre-colonial times. To this day, sheep and alpaca wool is prepared and dyed with cochineal insects, eucalyptus, and native herbs and plants.  Animal and geometric designs are woven into aguayos (carry-alls), wide belts, hat bands and scarves. Specific designs identify different communities and carry religious significance.

Ana serves as President of the Association of Andean Artisans, a cooperative of four weaving centers in Bolivia. Although weaving is traditionally done by women (girls begins around age twelve), Ana is the first female president of the Association. She learned the craft from her now 82-year-old mother who continues to weave. Ana conducts workshops to ensure traditional techniques are preserved.