The textile workshop allows us to learn more about a craft that is symbolic of the entire Andean region: weaving textiles with a loom.
An ancestral craft, an immaterial cultural heritage of enormous value demonstrated by expert craftswomen who still practice it.
The Doña Regina workshop is located in the village of Santiago de Okola and is a craft centre for showing how Andean fabrics are woven. Besides Doña Regina, the other protagonists of this craft are the loom and the skilled hands of the artisans who illustrate all the stages of cloth production, step by step, from the processing of the raw material, in this case sheep’s wool, to the end product.
In Santiago de Okola, weaving sheep wool blankets on a loom is a traditional skill – blankets are invaluable for fighting the cold nights in the mountains – although other items and garments are also made, such as chuspas (bags), scarves, ponchos and the typical hats (chulos).
Loom weaving is an ancient art. It requires a complex know-how, passed down through the generations, which has shaped the identity of the local communities and is explained to us by way of skilful gestures in Doña Regina's workshop.
Visitors who attend the demonstration are fascinated by the skill of the weavers and the vibrant beauty of the Andean colours chasing each other on the loom. Do you want to learn more? Contact us to plan your visit to the workshop and enjoy an unforgettable experience at Santiago de Okola.
Additional Info
It is recommended to bring warm clothing for windy and cold weather conditions, a bathing suit, comfortable footprint shoes, a cap, a hat, sunglasses and a camera.
Where
Community of Santiago de Okola, municipality of Puerto Carabuco, department of La Paz.
Transportation
By public transport
From El Alto at the Interprovincial Terminal with the Altiplano Transport Union company; departure time available from 5:00 a.m.; the price of the ticket is Bs 15 per person one way.
By private transport
From La Paz by National Route 2 to Huarinas; from there on highway 16 to Santiago de Okola. Average duration of the trip: 2 or 3 hours.
Visiting Rules
For your health and the health of local population, remember to comply with all biosecurity protocols and codes of conduct before and during your stay: wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer, plus a first aid kit, with sunscreen and medications for altitude sickness.
During your visit remember to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the region.