Notes on the textile crafts of Otavalo

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of textile crafts in Otavalo, Ecuador, from pre-Incan times to the contemporary. In colonial times, Otavalo was home to several mills that produced textiles under oppressive conditions for indigenous people. Over time, the introduction of chemical textile fibers such as orlon significantly altered the dynamics of textile production, displacing the traditional hand spinning done mainly by women. The need for new markets and the diversification of production led artisans to adapt to external demands, although this has entailed a dependency and a change in cultural values and traditions. Today, artisanal textile production is more oriented to the foreign market, with a marked use of chemical fibers and designs foreign to the local culture. This paper seeks to highlight the challenges and changes faced by textile artisans in Otavalo in their effort to preserve their cultural identity while adapting to new economic realities.