Product Description
Tarabuco Handwoven Manta or Aguayo, Handwoven Antique Bolivian Textiles, Collectible Folk Art. This is a very stiff Manta due to the extremely tight weave.
50" x 33"
The aguayo is used by women from the Plateau of Peru and Bolivia. Each woman has her own aguayo. These textiles are definitely the most impressive part of the Bolivian culture. Bolivian women carry their children in beautiful, colorful sheets on their back. This brightly colored Vintage Bolivian Textiles is traditionally woven by Bolivia's indigenous peoples. Made of 100% wool, they're used as rugs, blankets or carry-alls. Originally designed for strictly practical purposes, they have become works of art and pieces of cultural history.
The creation of this manta begins with the shearing of sheep’s wool, followed by the phar stage, where the wool is first spun. This initial spinning is crucial, laying the groundwork for what will become a remarkable piece of art.
The dyeing process is a labor of love and precision. Master weavers carefully select and measure natural dyes sourced from the region’s abundant flora and fauna—leaves, tree bark, flowers, fruits, and even minerals. Each hue is achieved through a meticulous balance, as even the slightest miscalculation can jeopardize days of hard work. The result is a vibrant palette that reflects the beauty of the Andes.
Following dyeing, the manta undergoes the "k’anti" process, where fine spinning techniques are employed to prepare for the intricate designs. The complex k’uychi stage, or “rainbow,” involves the careful combination of colors on the loom, requiring the weaver to count and memorize the necessary threads for each unique design. This stage is where the manta truly comes to life, as the weaver’s creativity and skill manifest in beautiful patterns.
The final step, "awakipa", involves the delicate embroidery along the edges of the manta. This technique adds a layer of sophistication and showcases the weaver's artistry, making each piece not just a textile, but a work of art.
