160 artisan cañarenses received training

Two years ago they fulfilled the dream of having a microenterprise and, since then, they have been looking to improve their fabrics for export. With this objective in mind, 120 women from the Padre Rafael González Cooperative and 40 from the Tushin-Burgay Weavers Association completed the Tejiendo Redes course-workshop. For eight months, the artisans of the canton Biblián (Cañar) learned about techniques of processing and weaving straw fleece and alpaca wool. It was a cooperation project between the Municipality of Biblián and the University of Azuay (UDA). The teachers and students of the Graphic Design, Textile and Interior schools shared knowledge with the artisans about the proper handling of the textures or production of natural dyes. Also, how to create details in the works they produce. Expand The products produced during the course-workshop were exhibited at the University of Azuay facilities. "Artisan work also demands innovation and quality and, therefore, we are always open to learn new things," said María Dolores Guamán, from 50 years. Before she was 10 years old, she already knew how to knit straw. After the course, Guamán feels more prepared because she learned to create pencil holders, key chains, baskets, bags, chocolate bars, among other new products. Now he knows how to dye fiber with walnut, eucalyptus, achiote and other plants. "We used aniline before." Ángeles Humala belongs to the Tushin-Burgay Association, where alpacas are raised to obtain wool and to make ponchos, scarves, hats, vests, among other garments. She and her companion Rosario Pilco, from 47 years, tell that their spirits never faint to produce, even though they faced difficult times for commercialization. His works were exhibited during the closing of the workshop, at the Universidad del Azuay. Genoveva Malo, dean of the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Art of that center, congratulated the entrepreneurs "with whom we have woven many relationships, linked yarns and fibers and shared knowledge. It is our commitment to bond with society. " For the mayor of Biblián, Guillermo Espinosa, this is the best support for the popular and solidary economy. Before, the Municipality accompanied in the processes of socio-organizational strengthening, legalization of artisan cooperatives and spaces for the sale of products. For example, the 120 members of the Cooperativa Padre Rafael González have a hat processing and collection center. In addition, they have a merchandising store in the center of Biblián. The hats of these artisans are sold on a national and international scale with the Bibilak brand (Camino Tortuoso). Training and technical assistance seek to improve the quality of creations and diversify production, because their hats are sold in the USA. and Europe. 2017 exported 20 000 units to both markets, and now they are looking to open a store in the North American continent. The members of this cooperative have participated in national and international fairs. The president, Fanny Tapia, says that they have received public and private support because they have potential as artisans and "because we work with responsibility and love". The artisans They sell each hat in USD 10 to their cooperative. Offer They sell garments from USD 2 to 50, like ponchos.