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The continued westernization of the South has caused indigenous crafts and traditions to be lost. Twenty-five years ago, in Sorata, Bolivia, the Aymara men were working away from home for little pay in the gold mines. There were few opportunities for the women to earn extra money other than by baking bread and exchanging it in town for potatoes. The weaving skills that their ancestors employed, were almost forgotten. In addition, there was little education, health care was mistrusted and people had no awareness of their rights.
Diane Bellomy, a westerner wishing to live simply with the Aymarans, started a textile workshop with the women, helping them to develop lost skills and abilities. Wall hangings and rag dolls from wool and antique fabrics were the first products to be made. More craftspeople became involved, skills developed and Artesania Sorata now produce knitwear, incorporating symbols from their culture and designs mirroring their surroundings.
The women use a drop spindle to weave the wool, which is dyed using vegetable colors from carrot tops, herbs and walnuts. Each piece of work is an individual creation, and many are signed, bringing producer and purchaser closer together. There are centers in La Paz, El Alto and Sorata, with the products finding a market both locally and overseas. The artisans involved have found a new sense of dignity and renewed pride in their traditions and culture. There are literacy programs, classes on women's issues and health education, and support work with homeless children.
Artesania Sorata has grown a lot since it began as a small, communal, effort to help the women of Sorata find alternate sources of income. The growth is due, in part, to its ability to exist as both a social and an economic institution. The women are invested in the program because they are a part of it. Health programs and educational opportunities have provided stability in the lives of these people.
In order to find new members, Artesania Sorata employs a credit program. Since the producers do not have the working capital to increase their capacity, a source of credit can bring them financial freedom. New members must have a member of the Artesania as the guarantor of the loan to be eligible. The money is often given for items like electric spinning wheels. The loans are repaid with spun and finished wool. This holistic program has empowered members of the collective and given them upward mobility without forcing them out of their traditional homes.
Check out our Artesania Sorata product selection.
Kinderware was founded in 2000 by Jenny Krauss and works with women artisans in La Paz, Bolivia. Jenny draws the pattern, sews a sample and sends it to La Paz where the women produce hundreds of meticulously hand sewn dolls every month. The women set the price and work in their free time in their own homes. Kinderware is currently supporting about 20 women full time and with the growing popularity of the items that they make, Kinderware hopes to hire more.
Check out our Kinderware product selection.
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