CAF Artespacio presents an exhibition which recovers the ancestral textile tradition

(La Paz, August 5, 2010).– Textiles with a profound cultural tradition are part of the "Science of Women" exhibition which opened on July 29 at the CAF artespacio gallery. Approximately 40 textiles are on display produced by women of the rural ayllus and communities of Qaqachaca, Livichuco, Norte Condo and Anacato, in Challapata municipality, Abaroa province, Oruro department.

This exhibition is part and outcome of the "Challapata Project" promoted by INFOTAMBO, institution which backs textile production and tourism activities in Bolivia by organizing training workshops aimed at rescuing the values of craft production.

Elvira Espejo, one of the project coordinators, said the pieces on show are the work of the women of the ayllus and communities which have focused their efforts on recovering the knowledge of dyeing with local natural dyes – characterized by their high organic value and environmental conservation – for natural wools of llama, sheep and alpaca.

The weavers organized themselves and replaced imported pigments for dyeing textiles with local natural dyes and ancestral dyeing techniques based on herbs, shrubs, minerals, berries and insects. With these innovations, they were able to overcome the effects of the economic crisis.

The "Science of Women" exhibition will be at CAF Artespacio, Av. Arce No. 2915 esq. Clavijo (CMG), until next September 3. Opening hours 8:00 to 12:30 and 14:30 to 18:00.