Face Mask Bolivian Aguayo – Fair Trade

Face Mask

The indigenous communities of the Andes still work textiles and leather, and these face masks are made from a traditional textile material called aguayo.

Each one is different so i have taken a selection for pictures. A random one will be sent.

The fabric is a traditional one called Aguayo. 100% Cotton and natural dyes are used.

This stunning mask has been made by indigenous women in the Bolivian mountain villages of Antacucho and Cuchuri where they have used textile arts to create them, each one with a unique aguayo pattern. The indigenous Indian craftsmen and women still maintain their traditional techniques and maintain durable design features and original artwork.

Background

Aguayo fabrics are originally used in South America in the Andean culture, in countries such as Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Argentina for women to carry children and take products to the market. The fabrics are ahand made weave, often made from wool, and dyed with natural vibrant colours.

If you look of the design of aguayo, you can see that most of them have 3 defined blocks that are the edge or tirja from where the blanket is tied. Then there is pampa or the flat part, which is a specific solid colour.

And finally, salta or the part with patterns or figures. The colours used often indicate the region in which the fabric was made, or the purpose for which it is to be used, such as for specific festivals etc.

The process of weaving traditional aguayo is complex and time consuming.

Made by Maritza in La Paz, Bolivia