The art of textiles
Fabrics (tejidos) . The art of weaving in Bolivia dates back to the time of the Tiwanaku civilization. The most famous fabric is theaguayo, made of alpaca or llama wool, used by women to carry babies or as a carpet in their homes. The patterns and colors of theaguayo 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. The jalq'a from the Potosí region, a black fabric with touches of green, red and animal representations, is one of the most appreciated by travellers. Jalq' a from Tarabuco, near Sucre, is mainly made of red with black touches. A visit to the textile museum(Museo de Arte Indígena) in Sucre is essential to understand and admire the meticulous work done on these tejidos. All kinds of products are made with these fabrics for travellers: hangings, purses, belts..
Alpaca wool clothing. The poncho is THE colourful garment that is inseparable from Andean imagery, used by the Indians since pre-Columbian times, its weaving and patterns differ according to the region or tribe. But there are also a myriad of articles made from this mythical wool: sweaters, vests, scarves, Andean hats, blankets, gloves... In short, everything that allows you to face the extreme cold that reigns 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 to the craftsmen, rather than industrial productions using synthetic mixtures.
Accessories and jewelry
The bombín. This black felt bowler hat is an inseparable element of the traditional costume of the cholitas of La Paz. Once worn by the Spanish settlers, it was adopted by these mestizo women when they left. It is in La Paz and Sucre that you will find the most beautiful models, which can be used more as decoration for your cozy nest than as a dress code, but that is up to you!
Silver jewelry. A myriad of jewels, decorative objects, and silver dishes elaborated by hand are proposed on the market stalls and in some shops of the big cities of the country. These objects are a specialty of Potosi, famous for its silver mines, but paradoxically, you will find more in La Paz.
Jewelry with "bolivianita". This gemstone, whose official name is Ametrine, has two distinct colors: purple and yellow. This stone is a variety of quartz found almost exclusively in Bolivia, especially around Sucre.
Leather products. Leather is cheap and of good quality in Bolivia. This is a good opportunity to get a nice leather bag for the lady or gentleman. It is easy to find beautiful jackets or belts at very low prices in the markets of El Alto (La Paz) or Cochabamba.
A very decorative craft
Objects made of carved wood. Exotic Amazonian wood is used to make many objects: from panpipes to chess sets, as well as decorative objects with motifs from the indigenous culture (Ah, the little wooden toucan...). In Santa Cruz, you will find replicas of wooden objects coming from or inspired by the know-how of the Jesuit Missions.
Pottery. Small craftsmen perpetuate the know-how inherited from pre-Columbian civilizations. Made from clay, the modern pottery is based on the designs of the Tiwanaka period (such as birds, snakes, etc.), or the more complex ones of the Inca period (deities).
Basketry. This is the art of weaving the totora, a plant similar to the reed, to make various objects: boats, chairs, baskets, mats... The floating islands on Lake Titicaca were made by the Uros Indians using this know-how. Today, it is the Aymara Indians who perpetuate this tradition. Many souvenirs, of all sizes, are made with this technique for tourists.
Typical and original gifts
Lucky charms, talismans and totems of all kinds. The witches' market in La Paz offers all sorts of products that are supposed to improve your life: from lucky charms to scented candles, as well as a whole range of items that meet a specific need: family, love, prosperity, protection against the evil eye, fertility, aphrodisiacs of all kinds... It's a rather original gift idea that will not fail to surprise your family or your friends!
Traditional musical instruments. Small in size, these two instruments are easy to put in the suitcase! The charango, a small Quechua and Aymara guitar made from an armadillo shell, is a beautiful object. There is also the quena, this small Andean pan flute that you have heard everywhere whistling El Condor Pasa..
Carnival masks. These masks, and more particularly those of the carnival of Oruro, are magnificent: a surprising assembly of materials, forms and colors. A good idea for decoration.
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.
