The Marymount Series: Andean scene embroidery of Otavalo, Ecuador

Woolen embroidery of Andean countryside scene, bought in the market of Otavalo, Ecuador, in 2002. Brightly coloured and certainly cheerful, it contains depictions of the Andean farmer, ilamas, alpacas, sheep, mountain cacti, sunflowers, colonial churches and other symbols of everyday life in the High Andes.

 

I bought this from an indigenous Otavaleño trader in the market.  Otavaleño women, who often sport distinctive silky long hair, are famous traders in this part of South America.  They are also renowned for their colourful textiles which are widely sold, though they prefer to wear the plain vanilla traditional black robes over white blouses with intricate lace sleeves whilst in their hometown.