The peoples of Bolivia have had a tradition of colourful textiles for over a thousand years. Ever since then these leather goods, rugs, llama wool ponchos and other crafts have been made either by hand or using simple machinery. Each has a unique pattern based on Inca and Aymara designs and symbols.  Most Bolivian crafts come from the Andes where farming is the main source of income. These native communities often rely on alternative sources of income, such as from handicrafts.

Artisans are the people who make the goods such as the leather bags and the other crafts - these are made by hand using very few tools or simple machinery.

Artisans work painstakingly for long hours to produce these beautiful objects. Their methods of production are as traditional as you can get. They are passionate about the quality of their products.

Next time you come by my stall, I hope you will appreciate the crafts in a different way.  You will realize the love and meaning put in every object.

I work with lots of families. They work in their own houses and usually sell in their local market or at sites visited by tourists such as Lake Titicaca and Tiahuanacu.

A story from one of the Artisans

My name is Ruth Quiroz Escudero. Both my father and my grandparents were leather workers, and I have worked selling leather goods since I was very young. My father died 14 years ago, and my mum and I worked to raise my six brothers and sisters.  The work was very hard because I worked alone, but my family now help me. We all live in my house, including one married sister, and my brothers and sisters now help me in the business. I also employ five people who help to make the leather goods.   

Most of my bags are my own creation, and although we don’t earn a lot, it is enough to survive. I am also studying tourism in the university. The course is six years and the fees are very expensive, so we are not able to save.