Damon Mcknight
Bolivian textiles are sold both domestically and internationally. In Bolivia, textiles are often sold in markets, on stalls, and on the street. Internationally, they are sold in shops, on Etsy, and through non-profit organisations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Selling Platforms | Etsy, Local street markets, International markets |
| Selling Format | Online, In-person |
| Sellers | Aymara and Quechua street vendors, Local artisans, Small-scale farmers, Bolivian government |
| Buyers | Tourists, Foreign visitors, International markets, Local buyers |
| Products | Textiles, Clothing, Accessories, Home Decor |
| Materials | Alpaca wool, Llama wool, Camelid fibres, Sheep wool, Synthetic fibres, Natural dyes |
| Production Techniques | Handwoven, Loom weaving, Treadle loom, Backstrap loom, Four-stake loom |
| Product Types | Blankets, Rugs, Cushion and sofa covers, Table cloths, Bags, Hats, Gloves, Shawls, Ponchos, Sweaters, Leg warmers, Beanies, Tapestries, Handbags, Backpacks, Aguayos |
What You'll Learn
Bolivian textiles are sold online via Etsy
One of the most popular items on Etsy is the Authenitc Bolivian aguayo fabric, an Indigenous altar woven textile that can be used as decor. This fabric is often sold by the yard, allowing buyers to purchase the amount they need for their desired projects. Another popular item is the Andean Bolivian Tablecloth Table Runner, which is made from Llama wool and features the colourful and geometric designs that are typical of Bolivian textiles.
For those looking for a unique gift or a cosy addition to their home, Etsy also offers Bolivian blankets and throws. These range from soft alpaca wool blankets in queen sizes to reversible aztec throw blankets with native designs. Some of these blankets are even handmade, making them extra special.
In addition to the more traditional textile items, Etsy also offers some unique and unexpected Bolivian-themed products. For example, shoppers can find a Bolivian fabric-wrapped spiral notebook, a wooden Bolivia map wall art, and even a Bolivia mug. These items are perfect for those who want to showcase their love for Bolivia in their everyday lives.
With such a diverse range of products, it's no surprise that Bolivian textiles are finding a new home online via Etsy.
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They are also sold in markets and stalls in Bolivia
Bolivian textiles are also sold in markets and stalls in Bolivia. In La Paz, Aymara and Quechua street vendors sell their textiles on the bustling tourist street Calle Sagárnaga, a crossroads for hundreds of years. In El Alto, there is a Quechua wool market where Andi'Art sources wool for its creations.
In Santa Cruz, local church school ladies sell aprons, napkins, and tablecloths painted with floral designs. In the same city, Janeth Coffield, the president of an association of small and medium businesses, commented on the Bolivian government's efforts to save the textile industry.
In central La Paz, Matilde Flores operates a street stand selling smartly tailored jackets. She is also facing the reality that clothes produced in China or sewn together locally with Chinese material are becoming increasingly cheaper than anything produced in Bolivia.
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Bolivian textiles are sold in shops in Europe
Valdès restored and sold these rugs in Europe, sometimes transforming them into cushion and sofa covers. Her creations were first introduced to the European market when they caught the eye of a French interior design shop, Caravane.
Following Bonifacia's death in 2002, her daughter Nieves took over her work and even brought her own children into the business. Nieves is an experienced weaver and has trained her two sons, who weave most parts of the collection. She also manages the whole production process, including buying wool at the El Alto market.
Andi'Art, the business started by Valdès, now has its colourful rugs and pillows exhibited at MAISON&OBJET Paris and sold in shops like ABC Carpet & Home in New York and Le Club 55's boutique in Saint-Tropez.
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They are exported to the US
Bolivian textiles are exported to the US, with the country being a key market for these products. The US was the main destination for Bolivian exports in 2017, though it has since been overtaken by India.
The US market is important for Bolivian textiles, and the country's biggest textile exporter, AMETEX, suffered when it lost access to the US market. The company's sales dropped to 25% of their previous volume, and the business had to suspend production. The Bolivian government stepped in to save the 1,700 jobs at AMETEX's five plants, nationalising the factories.
The US market is also important for small-scale Bolivian textile producers, who sell their goods online through sites like Etsy. Bolivian textiles are also exported to Europe, with some businesses choosing to focus on this market instead.
The textiles produced for export are often made by women who are the sole supporters of their families. They have to juggle home and family obligations with the need to spend long hours creating products to sell. They are among the ranks of an informal economy where each person must find their own way in the world of business.
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Bolivian textiles are sold in local markets
The local markets of Bolivia are a crucial part of the country's economy, with the production of yarn and textile products integral to the lives of Bolivians. The textiles are often made by women who are the sole supporters of their families, with their husbands working in distant parts of the country or unemployed due to mine closures. These women have had to develop an industry of their own, seeking markets to sell their goods.
The textiles sold in the local markets include the ubiquitous Andean aguayo, a cloth used by cholitas (indigenous women) to carry goods, use as picnic rugs, or even transport babies. Other items sold in local markets include beanies, ponchos, sweaters, gloves, leg warmers, tablecloths, tapestries, handbags, backpacks, and accessories.
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Frequently asked questions
Bolivian textiles are sold in the country's local markets, on the streets of La Paz, and online on sites like Etsy.
The pricing of Bolivian textiles depends on the materials used, the time and skill required for production, and the intended market. For example, an intricately designed wall tapestry can fetch five times more on the international market than if sold locally.
Bolivian textiles are primarily made from alpaca, llama, and vicuña wool, which are abundant in the high-altitude regions of Bolivia. Traditional dyes made from boiled-down plants and trees are used to give the textiles an authentic and vibrant appearance.
Bolivian textiles are predominantly made and sold by cholitas (indigenous women) in rural areas as a means of earning extra income while the men work in the fields. Bolivian women have turned to weaving for centuries to support their families.
