Among the frozen breeze of the Andes is found a little town called Guano, settled just beside the magnificent Chimborazo Volcano. It is a town as simple as wonderful, with people devoted to the little-known occupation of weaving with sheep wool; a 500 years old art that has survived through time, going from one generation to the next. Nowadays, it is a reason to be proud for the whole country.
Two hands and a wooden loom are the instruments required for the creation of beautiful and astonishing works. In the town’s stores, located along its entrance and extended to its interior, you can find wool products such as quilts, legwarmers, jackets, tapestries and carpets on sale. The carpets are specially known for their Pre-Columbian and modern designs, some of them with very local designs with elements evoking Ecuador’s archaeology, as well as folk and colonial art. The importance that every artisan puts into the making of a carpet, constructing knot by knot a very soft, high-quality, perfect carpet, has made institutions such as the UN, the OEA, the Vatican and some Presidential Palaces have one of them in their rooms and halls.
Guano is a peaceful place, with little old houses and workshops where very warm, friendly people live, dedicated to their art. It is easy to get into a store and come out with a smile on your face, even if you didn’t buy anything. As you walk through this silent town’s streets, the people’s joyfulness and the beauty of the landscape will give you a feeling of peace and tranquility
Photo: edlifeguard09
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