In our quest to establish a sustainable production line while promoting empowerment, we met the Mapuche, a tribe of indigenous inhabitants of South America. The Mapuche, whose name means “Earth People” have a spiritual belief based on the coexistence of human and animal, good and evil. From their natural environment the power of life emanates, creates and sustains man and nature. The Mapuche excel in the art of textile, and were precursors in the production of garments – researchers found out some fabrics dating back to AD 1300-1350. We definitely have a lot to learn from them!
The origins of a proud tribe
The Mapuche are one of the oldest indigenous habitants of southern Chile and Argentina: history tracks them back to 600–500 BC. Many indigenous tribes at that time were influenced by the Spanish colonisation in the 16th century, which had a different influence on their agriculture and economy. Nevertheless, the Mapuche resisted the Spanish conquistadors and never disappeared. During the middle of the 19th century, the Chilean government tried to diminish the influence of the Mapuche community and break the wind of independence – leading to the death of thousands. Unfortunately, similar campaigns took place in Argentina. Since the late 20th century and as of today, the Mapuche still fight for their rights and independence.
A deep-rooted heritage
Even though Mapuches legally belong to their respective regions, with 1 million of them living in Chile and 250,000 in Argentina, they consider themselves an autonomous nation. They are Mapuches instead of Argentinians or Chileans and are part of a distinct cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage.
Some of the things that they have been able to preserve are their language: the mapudungun, religion and structure.
At VIRTŪ, we are fascinated by the knowledge of the Mapuche in textile production. Their techniques of weaving and using stunning partners have been transmitted through generations. Women who excelled in this art were highly honoured and had a bigger place in the community, hence the excellence of their work. Modern Mapuche women transmit this art by teaching their daughters according to the customs of their ancestors. If the Mapuche now-a-days buy foreign garments, they still take pride in wearing their own products and designs. They continue to produce ponchos, accessories and all sorts of garments with historic features.
You can discover more of the traditional designs here.
Some of the things that they have been able to preserve are their language: the mapudungun, religion and structure.
At VIRTŪ, we are fascinated by the knowledge of the Mapuche in textile production. Their techniques of weaving and using stunning partners have been transmitted through generations. Women who excelled in this art were highly honoured and had a bigger place in the community, hence the excellence of their work. Modern Mapuche women transmit this art by teaching their daughters according to the customs of their ancestors. If the Mapuche now-a-days buy foreign garments, they still take pride in wearing their own products and designs. They continue to produce ponchos, accessories and all sorts of garments with historic features.
You can discover more of the traditional designs here.
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