Monday, March 21, 2011

PITA AND ACHIRA SEEDS HANDCRAFTS

Did you know that?... In the Ecuadorian jungle many crafts are made with materials totally natural based on plants from which fiber is taken to knit the fabric and colorful seeds that give an special touch to the crafts that are produced there.

The families that make the crafts are poor people who try to look for an alternative to subsist.

This is a thorough art work because the crafts are woven.


Achira Plant



Woman extracting the Achira seeds






Friday, March 18, 2011

TAGUA HANDCRAFTS

The tagua is known as ivory nut or vegetable ivory, this is a seed that grows in the tropical rain forest in Ecuador.
It is mainly used to make buttons as well as artistic figures and decorative motifs.

Some Ecuadorian artisans work this seed, preparing crafts of an unique beauty.
In Ecuador, the tagua grows in the subtropical zone between the Andes and the Coast especially in the provinces of ManabĂ­ and Esmeraldas.