Patricio Mamani Franciscano

Bolivia

Year(s) attended: 2009, 2011

Asociación 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.

At age eight Patricio left for school in the city of Cochabamba, three hours away from his 60-family village of Chuñu Chuñuni. At 16 he returned home. Now 29, he is a farmer, literacy teacher and weaver who also oversees the distribution of wool and the natural dyeing process for the Association.