Alpaca Gloves, Toques, Socks, Mitts, Arm Warmers & Leg Warmers
- Producers:
- Regina Apasa (62) , Weaver (Mother)
- Exalta Apasa (40) , Weaver (Daughter)
- Isabel Vasquez (38) , Weaver (Daughter)
- Mercedes Vasquez (42) , Weaver (Daughter)
- Julia Apasa (45) , Weaver (Cousin)
- Product:
- Baby Alpaca Mitts
- Baby Alpaca Toques
- Baby Alpaca Arm Warmers
- Baby Alpaca Gloves
- Baby Alpaca Socks
- Baby Alpaca Leg Warmers
- Location: El Alto, Bolivia
- Relationship: Mother, Daughters and Neice
- History:
- The family comes from the distant village of Pacajes. They moved to El Alto at a very young age. At the age of 8 Exalta and her sisters helped her parents knitt and weave different types of clothing. At the time of the meeting, Exalta was concerned about the limited amount of alpacas that remain in Bolivia. International communities continue to purchase alpaca animals for their own use, leaving Bolivia with a number that continues to diminish ever year.
- Duration:
- 1 day for a pair of socks
- 1 day for 3 toques
- 1 day for a pair of gloves
- Process:
- First the alpaca wool is obtained and spun repeatedly into a very fine thread. This insures the wool is strong and durable. To make one .5 kg ball of wool (2 pairs of gloves), it takes 1.5 days. After a ball of wool is made, each item is then knitted by hand. No colour dyeing is involved as all wool is natural colours of the alpaca. After the knitting process the item is ironed so the alpaca hair does not stand erect.
- Message:
- "Thank you for buying all this, I am happy that these traditional items and designs are being bought,." Exalta also expressed that she is happy about the extra work she will be receiving from these items. She emphasized that weavers such as her do not do this for money but for survival.
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