The art of textiles
Weaving (tejidos). The art of weaving in Bolivia dates back to the Tiwanaku civilization. The most famous fabric isaguayo, made from alpaca or llama wool, used by women to carry babies or as carpets in their homes. The patterns and colors ofaguayo reflect the specific characteristics of each region and population of the Altiplano. The red Amarete fabric from La Paz is one of the most famous. Jalq'a from the Potosí region, a black fabric with touches of green, red and representations of animals, is one of the most popular with travelers. Jalq'a from Tarabuco, near Sucre, is made mainly in red with touches of black. A visit to the textile museum(Museo de ArteIndígena) in Sucre is essential to understand and admire the meticulous work carried out on these tejidos. All kinds of products are made from these fabrics for travelers: wall hangings, purses, belts..
Alpaca wool clothing. The poncho is THE colorful garment inseparable from Andean imagery, used by Indians since pre-Columbian times, its weaving and patterns differing from region to region and tribe to tribe. But you can also find a myriad of items made from this mythical wool: sweaters, cardigans, scarves, Andean hats, blankets, gloves... in short, everything you need to cope with the extreme cold at altitude. It's up to you to choose between the traditional garment, at the risk of looking like a gringo during your trip, or opt for a modern garment, which combines the thermal qualities of wool with a contemporary design. However, we prefer fair-trade garments, which provide an income for the craftsmen, to industrial production, which often uses synthetic blends.
Accessories and jewelry
The bombín. This black felt bowler hat is an essential part of the traditional costume of La Paz's cholitas. Once worn by Spanish settlers, it was adopted by these mixed-race women when they left. You'll find the most beautiful models in La Paz and Sucre, which may be more suited to decorating your cozy nest than to dressing up, but that's up to you!
Silver jewelry. A myriad of handcrafted silver jewelry, decorative objects and tableware can be found on market stalls and in some boutiques in the country's major cities. These objects are a specialty of Potosí, famous for its silver mines, but paradoxically, you'll find more of them in La Paz.
Jewelry with "bolivianita". This gemstone, whose official name is Ametrine, has two distinct colors: violet and yellow. This stone is a variety of quartz found almost exclusively in Bolivia, particularly around Sucre.
Leather products. Leather is cheap and of good quality in Bolivia. This is an opportunity to buy a nice leather bag, for the lady or the gentleman. It's easy to find beautiful jackets or belts at rock-bottom prices at the markets in El Alto (La Paz) or Cochabamba.
A very decorative craft
Carved wooden objects. Exotic Amazonian wood is used to make a wide range of objects, from panpipes to chess sets, as well as decorative objects with motifs from native culture (ah, the little wooden toucan...). In Santa Cruz, you'll find replicas of wooden objects originating from or inspired by the know-how of the Jesuit Missions.
Pottery. Small craftsmen perpetuate the skills inherited from pre-Columbian civilizations. Made from clay, modern pottery reproduces the motifs of the Tiwanaka period (birds, snakes, etc.), or the more complex ones of the Inca period (divinities).
Basketry. This is the art of weaving totora, a plant similar to reed, to make a variety of objects: boats, chairs, baskets, mats... The floating islands on Lake Titicaca were made by the Uros Indians using this know-how. Today, the Aymara Indians continue this tradition. Numerous souvenirs of all sizes are made using this technique for tourists.
Typical and original gifts
Lucky charms, talismans and totems of all kinds. The witches' market in La Paz offers all kinds of products designed to improve your life: from lucky charms to scented candles, as well as a whole range of items designed to meet specific needs: family, love, prosperity, protection against the evil eye, fertility, aphrodisiacs of all kinds... It's an original gift idea that's sure to surprise your family and friends!
Traditional musical instruments. Small in size, these two instruments are easy to pack! The charango, a small Quechua and Aymara guitar made from an armadillo shell, is a beautiful object. Then there's the quena, that little Andean pan flute you've heard everywhere whistling El Condor Pasa..
Carnival masks. These masks, especially those from the Oruro carnival, are magnificent: a surprising combination of materials, shapes and colors. A great decorating idea.
Gourmet basket
Bolivian specialties. Don't forget to bring back something to brighten up your dinners on your return! The dried llama meat (charque de llama) will not fail to amaze more than one! Other specialities can be carried without fear: the delicious coffee of the Yungas, which can be found almost everywhere because it is consumed throughout the country, honey from the Amazon, quinoa from the Altiplano or chocolates from Sucre... Finally, a meal would not be complete without a good bottle of highland wine, those produced in Tarija are undoubtedly the best in the country. Created by Spanish monks, Singani is an exclusively Bolivian product. This strong alcohol is made from the distillation of Muscatel wine and is mainly used to make the national cocktail: the chuflay.
Be careful! Do not bring back coca leaves, coca mate or other coca-based products, these products are strictly prohibited in France and the legislation against drugs is very strict. To be consumed on site only.
