| |
BOLIVIAN HAMMOCKS ARRIVE AT SEASIDE HAMMOCKS
The story of Bolivian Hammocks at Seaside begins in Salvatierra, a village halfway between
somewhere and nowhere in eastern Bolivia. Five years ago, Kristen
arrived at this small indigenous community as a Peace Corps volunteer.
She fell in love with the 50 families, 20 cows, several monkeys, and
dozens and dozens of children, and they accepted her into their lives as
one of their own. When Kathryn came for a visit, she too became
enamored with the people and the local traditions, rich in music and
art.
In that tiny village there is tremendous talent for weaving, a skill
passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Women craft the
famous Guarayos hammock, known as the best in Bolivia if not all of
Latin America, with such care and intricacy that a single hammock will
require a month of work. Each cord is spun by hand from a single fine thread to create a yarn of four threads, then hand-woven on the loom.
But the women were having difficulty
selling their hammocks locally because of the high price they had to
command. When Kristen and Kathryn first saw their hammocks, they were completely enthralled
by them, and were certain that people abroad would appreciate and
value their unique design and fabulous workmanship, and most definitely
enjoy the abandonment to indolence they inspire when you sink into them.
There aren't many businesses that require getting up a dawn, loading up a bicycle with 40 pounds of hand-woven hammocks, crossing two piranha-filled rivers in dugout canoes and riding 15 miles through the jungle to carry the products to the closest bus. But that's why they are doing it.
The
traditional Guarayos braided hammock, hand-knotted of premium cotton
thread, is available in lush natural colors. Its intricate pattern is
functional too, allowing soft breezes to cool the weary in the tropical
heat. This hammock demands one full month for the artisan to complete:
spinning the thread, braiding the design, and crocheting the finish. Its
sizable width comfortably fits two. Color-fast, 100% cotton. Available
in several color combinations.
We are excited to tell you about Salvatierra not only because the name means "save the earth" in Spanish (particularly meaningful because the village is participating in a community forestry program; they are now custodians of more than 100,000 acres of tropical forest). By supporting the art of Bolivia you are also strengthening and preserving some of the most fascinating indigenous cultures of the Americas, and you are directly benefiting the producers by buying from artisan cooperatives. Additionally, Salvatierra Imports donates a percentage of profits to youth music education projects in Bolivia.
We think that you will be enchanted with the unusual beauty of what we offer. Each piece carries cultural and historical traditions found nowhere else and brings with it the story of its unusual journey to reach you.
We hope you enjoy the whimsical, magical, lyrical, idyllic art of tropical Bolivia. Shop Bolivian Hammocks.
| The Village of Salvatierra salutes you!
|
Photographs courtesy of Kristen Evans
|
|
Your Cart
