Traditional weaving in Otavalo, Ecuador
About this photograph
- Creator
- Margery H. Freeman
- Date created
- 1991
- Location
- Otavalo, Ecuador
- License
- This photograph copyright ©2006. Terms of use
See this photograph in context
- Traditional weaving in Ecuador: Photographs and text illustrate traditional weaving in Ecuador, from carding and spinning wool to selling finished products at the market. (Page 5)
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- See our collection of articles on visual literacy for ideas on using photographs meaningfully in the classroom.
A woman sits on the ground manipulating a small loom. She is wearing a white and red embroidered blouse and weaving a multi-color band of fabric.
This craftswoman is using a traditional loom to weave the fabric. This time-consuming practice is only still in use in very remote areas of the Andean highlands.
Otavalo is in the highlands of Ecuador, between the rainforest and the coast. Many of the inhabitants of the area continue to practice traditional ways of life, including retaining their Quechua language, wearing traditional garments, and practicing age-old occupations. Otavalo in particular is known for its highly-skilled weavers. In a tradition that pre-dates the arrival of the Incas, Otavalo weavers are famous for their wool ponchos, blankets, and wall coverings. These products and more can be found in Otavalo’s large market.
