Women from Quillagua learn to produce natural wool, reviving their roots through textile art

Three years ago, a group of women in Quillagua began reviving their roots through textile art. They learn different techniques to reflect elements that showcase their heritage and Quillagua’s ancestral culture in their weaving.

The SQM-sponsored program will continue in 2021 but with a substantial change in relation to previous versions. Students will learn the entire wool production process, beginning with sheering local llamas and sheep, washing, drying, carding, and naturally dying to ultimately produce pieces that showcase Quillagua’s identity elements.

Some of the products they will make by hand using 100% natural sheep and llama wool include throw pillows, hats, slippers, ponchos, shawls, bed scarves, scarves, and other accessories. Their products will be sold to strengthen the participants’ household income.

Director of Communications, Sustainability and Public Affairs for SQM, Pablo Pisani, commented on the initiative, which is part of the reviving heritage priority area of the SQM community involvement plan: “We are pleased to offer this workshop for the third straight year. Last year, we migrated to a digital platform as a result of the public health crisis. This year, we will continue innovating with new components to strengthen the initiative. The workshop has been very well-received by the women from Quillagua, who see that it is an opportunity for personal growth and entrepreneurship as well as conducive to an emerging circular economy.”

Sandra Marín, a craftswoman and workshop leader from Antofagasta, who has vast experience reviving northern Chile’s heritage identity, will once again lead the workshop. “I am very excited about this new challenge. We are taking the workshop in another direction and teaching the students a new process. The knowledge will help the 20 participants specialize and launch entrepreneurial ventures based on the workshop. Classes have already begun and have gone very well, all in compliance with health measures.”

Educational Summer Fun

Families in Quillagua participated in a two-week series of recreational, sports and cultural activities that were met with great interest and participation from residents.

Each of the fun, dynamic activities aimed to make self-care a way of life. Activities for children and adolescents included ‘journalist for a day’ and ‘firefighter for a day’ programs; dance aerobics, Afro dance and photography classes; and training days for new Environmental Trailblazers.

The Summer Fun in Quillagua program upheld all the health requirements and capacity limits. Sponsored by SQM, the activity is supported by the Chañares de Quillagua youth organization and the Mr. Barber Foundation.