The espadrille: An ancient indigenous activity of Imbabura

Abstract

This article examines the craft of alpargatería in the province of Imbabura, a tradition introduced by the Spanish during the conquest and which flourished in the colonial era. Through historical documents and contemporary observations, the evolution of this practice and its relevance in traditional indigenous clothing is analyzed. Alpargata production has decreased significantly due to the change in footwear preference among young indigenous people and mestizo peasants, who now opt for modern shoes and rubber boots. Towns such as Quiroga, Cotacachi and Otavalo continue to be the main production centers, although they face economic challenges due to the increase in material costs. This study highlights the need to innovate and adapt the production of alpargatas to keep this artisanal tradition alive, respecting traditional cultural and technological patterns.