Awayo
Awayo (also: Aguayo) is a traditional textile in the Bolivian culture .
The word, which comes from the Aymara language , is on the one hand attributed to the meaning "a piece of cloth", on the other hand it is only a name. The original Awayo was a hand- woven from pure wool on a loom (Spanish: telar ) that told a story.
history
There is no precise information about the age or origin of the Awayo, but its history goes back thousands of years.
Colours
Originally, animal, mineral or vegetable dyes were used to dye Awayos. Today they are usually colored with synthetic colors. The colors are used factually or subjectively and used depending on the community or on social rituals. The color black is used in connection with death and mourning or for historical recognition. The most famous Awayos are the "red ponchos (ponchos rojos)" from Achacachi . These were once worn once on the occasion of a significant event. Today they are worn more often, but only by representatives of the communities. These ponchos rochos have thick red and thin black lines.
Symbols
Gods, geometric figures or animals are often represented as symbols. Often you come across one of the most famous symbols of South America, the " Andean Cross ". The symbols are used depending on the regional culture and communities. The squirrel is seen as one of the most important symbols in the parish of Jesús de Machaca . With the help of the symbols, stories are told, you can "read" the Awayo like a book with symbols.
Manufacturing
The traditional Awayos are considered robust and are therefore sought after by collectors. Each of these antique Awayos is unique and tells a story of its manufacturer. Today the Awayo for tourism is mostly made industrially and from cotton. The Awayo is used as a simple cloth, tablecloth or tapestry, handbags, ponchos and hammocks are also made from it.