Taquile, Weavers of a Magic World

By: Rita Prochaska

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

The distinct ethnicity of the Taquileans is manifest in their elaborate clothing and sophisticated fabrics, reminiscent of pre-Columbian textiles as regards their quality, design, symbolism and techniques. The culture of Taquile survives thanks to adequately initiating its youth to its own traditions and art of weaving, knowledge transmitted from one generation to the next, giving it continuity. The main chapters describe the community of Taquile, the history of Peruvian fabrics and the textile technology, followed by the role of women and learning as seen in a life cycle. Then some examples are given of what textiles and nature communicate to the Taquileans and “40 years later” updates the information of the 1980s and presents some of the changes.