Arpilleras (pronounced "ar-pee-air-ah")are
three-dimensional appliqué textiles of Latin America.
A contemporary craft, the first ones were made by the Mothers
of the Disappeared in Chile to tell their stories and support
their families.
Crossroads Trade carries
Peruvian arpilleras and Bolivian two-dimensional applique
textiles. The Peruvian textiles are the work of a women's
coop in Lima. Its members have left Andean villages, coming
to the city to seek a better life. Many of their designs evoke
markets, harvest, fiestas and tragedies of village life. The
women work together in a one-room brick building in their
neighborhood. Their younger children are with them during
the day.
The Bolivian applique
textiles are the work of members of a coop in the lowlands
of eastern Bolivia. Their designs likewise reflect daily life,
with themes of fishing, gathering food and fuel and tending
animals. The women usually work from home. Whereas the Peruvian
arpilleras are amazingly detailed, realistic depictions of
daily life, the Bolivian textiles are much more fanciful.
Crossroads Trade works with both groups to
develop new designs and products. Both cooperatives have set
prices for their products. Crossroads Trade pays in full for
the products before taking delivery, so that the women do
not have to wait for their earnings.
