Handmade textile techniques in Imbabura

Abstract

This article examines artisanal textile techniques in Imbabura, Ecuador, a central occupation for many, especially indigenous people, since pre-Hispanic times. Textile production, which survived the colonial era through obrajes and forced labor, remains today a symbol of regional identity in Otavalo, the epicenter of textile production and trade. The techniques and tools used combine ancestral methods and colonial adaptations, with gradual mechanization to meet global demand. Although colonial studies highlight wool production in obrajes, little attention is paid to the production of cotton and cabuya fiber, important in the payment of tributes. The weekly market in Otavalo is the main showcase for regional textiles, where both traditional techniques and designs as well as changes in production can be observed. This analysis highlights the evolution and continuity of textile crafts in the region.