Description

Dimensions:2 cm wide x 100-110 cm long
Materials: locally sourced wools and organic dyes
Product details: small white beads
Technique: Hand-woven on traditional backstrap loom
Producer: Amaru community
Fairly traded

Watanas are narrow strips of fabric decorated with white beads. Traditionally used to fasten women’s hats (monteras) under their chins, they are also sometimes left hanging. During ceremonies and festivals, hats are adorned with additional watanas. These relatively small pieces of weaving are how young weavers – usually around 10 years old – learn their art. Only once the watana is mastered can a young weaver move onto larger and more sophisticated projects. Apart from their traditional uses, watanas serve as beautiful hair ties, narrow belts, or decorative hat bands.

This product was hand-woven in the community of Amaru using 100% natural and organic local sheep and alpaca wool, and dyed using natural plants and other pigments.

As a fair trade product, all of the proceeds will directly return to weaver but also to the community through development and educational programs.