Chile: Deeply Rooted Craft

Nestled between the andes and the pacific ocean, some 400 miles south of Santiago, Chile, the fiercely independent Mapuche people have endured for more than 10,000 years, fending off both the Incas and Spanish conquistadors. Despite conflicts that still flare between the Mapuche and Chile’s national government over land rights, their culture has had a decisive  influence on modern-day Chile. Mapuche language, food, and customs are woven into Chilean tradition – particularly their remarkable handwork.

Mapuche women pass on their unique textile skills to their families, guarding their secrets closely to protect their traditions and livelihood. Made from sheep’s wool that is washed, stretched, spun, and dyed, Mapuche blankets and rugs are easily identifiable by their colors and patterns, with abstracted geometric motifs that symbolize plants, animals, elements such as fire or rain, and spiritual life. Mothers teach their children to weave, explaining the origins of these symbols and the beliefs of their ancestors.

It’s a very hands-on process. Mapuche women build their own looms with native wood, spin their yarn by hand, and create natural dyes using plant and animal sources.

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