Artisans from Quillagua exhibited their art inspired in the Aymara culture

During the celebrations of St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of Quillagua, tourists and residents enjoyed an exhibition in the Quillagua town square entitled “Nostalgia Collection” featuring local artisans, who showed their wood and textile work and art inspired in Aymara cultural heritage.

The 100% handmade collection included handcrafted carvings in kitchen objects, inspired by the lifestyle of the past, and a textile line of scarves, shawls and blankets featuring unique designs and locally sourced raw materials.

Carlos Oñate, a representative of the wood workshop, commented, “When I started these workshops I saw it as a hobby, but today I see it as a trade that I can make money from. In addition, I am delighted that the Aymara heritage is being revived and that we can leave something traditional from our community to future generations.”

Cinthia Gallardo, a participant in the loom workshop, said, “Some time ago, SQM invited us to be part of this workshop, which has kept me very happy because I am learning new techniques and we are reviving the heritage of our people.”

Interestingly, since May of this year, professionals from the ONA Foundation, with SQM’s support, have been conducting technical and theoretical workshops to transfer knowledge about handicraft product lines considered to have higher potential based on quality and local heritage attributes.

Pablo Pisani, SQM’s Corporate Affairs Manager, remarked, “This exhibit, which is very important and which we are carrying out with the ONA Foundation, showcases beautiful loom and wood work highlighting local themes, colors and handiwork that are very present to the Quillagua woman. We see a very prosperous horizon in terms of having very finished, fine products with high sales potential.”

Meanwhile, Macarena Peña, executive director of the ONA Foundation, said “SQM’s support has been vital to this initiative, since together we have been able to reach standards of excellence not only in the raw materials we are using, but also in the human resources, both with teachers, training and workshops.”

Recognition

As part of the civic ceremony during their patron saint’s day, the Aymara community recognized the SQM team for all the work carried out through various initiatives that seek to generate shared social value in Quillagua in the areas of production development, education and culture, healthy living and heritage.

Leonor González, Head of Pampa Community Relations, explained, “We are very honored by this invitation from the Aymara community of Quillagua, where we have been recognized as a team working in this territory. We are very happy to be part of its development and that drives us to continue supporting the district’s future challenges.”

Finally, the president of the Aymara community, César Castro, pointed out, “The importance of SQM for our festival has been very good. Thanks to their support, we have cultivated a good relationship with the neighbors, thus giving rise to this celebration, in addition to the work we do with them during the year.”