Elvira Espejo Ayca

Bolivia

Year(s) attended: 2010

Weaving

Andean Quechua- and Aymara-speaking communities around Challapata in Bolivia maintain a weaving tradition that dates back to the fifteenth century.

In these communities young women learn to weave starting at an early age, when their mothers and aunts begin to teach them the basic techniques of traditional horizontal Andean looms.

Artists use camelid and sheep wool fibers and natural dyes made from plants and roots growing in the region to make shawls, small bags, wide belts and other items for daily and ceremonial use.

They are assisted in promoting their work by the Instituto de Lengua y Cultura Aymara (ICLA), whose purpose is to promote respect for Andean cultural traditions, with a commitment to Fair Trade principles and environmental stewardship.

Elvira Espejo Ayca, a member of the directive of the ICLA, is a master weaver from the region, as well as a published poet and an acclaimed artist in several media.