For many primitive societies, the history of the people is written in the textiles they make and wear. Beyond the obvious utilitarian functions of clothing, these native garments articulate a silent and enduring language of shifting social and political patterns, technical development, and religious symbolism. Mutely, but adeptly, they document the unwritten character of disappearing cultures.
Few societies in the world can offer more cogent proof of this than the indigenous population of Bolivia. The multiplicity of design apparent in native Indian costume is the result of varied ethnic cultures converging in one country. The heritage of traditional motifs inspired by the earlier Incas, and the imaginative graphic patterns created by their forebears among the Aymards and Quechuas— such as birds, llamas, mice, geometric stylizations and stripes—have been maintained, but show undeniable signs of an encroaching modern urban world. Trucks, trains, helicopters, airplanes and guitars are now occasionally incorporated alongside more ancient signs and symbols. What we see then is a blending of worlds—old and new; of cultures—native American and European; of races—Indian and Spanish; and of religions—archaic animism and Catholicism. The consequence of this evolution is a unique synthesis of seemingly divergent forces.
No other volume documents native Bolivian costumes so extensively, yet captures the vitality of these multi-hued garments in all their vibrant immediacy. This remarkable visual array is based on one of the finest weaving collections assembled from Bolivian sources. More than 100 authentic copyright-free motifs (many in full-color) are presented with the graphic artist in mind. Each photographic reproduction offers multiple ornamental possibilities and striking design solutions. The collection is composed of seven distinct regional Indian styles and displays a selection of their best native costumes: Charasani, Bolfvar, Tarabuco, Potolo, Calcha and Caiza, Pacajes and Copacabana, Macha and Pocoata are represented. Each region produces its own distinctive and unmistakable design and color combinations, which clearly express the creative originality and particular history of that area.
'Textile designers and weavers, graphic artists, illustrators, decorators and art collectors will find this presentation to be extremely valuable and practical, as well as the most complete sourcebook on Bolivian Indian motifs. As in other developing countries around the world, change in Bolivia is imminent and inevitable. The authors have saved for posterity many designs that would otherwise fade into oblivion as more and more of the rural craftspeople are drawn into urban centers and away from the village social structure which fostered these traditional native crafts.
Original Dover Publication. Introduction. Bibliography. 104 illustrations, 55 in full color, iv -{- 60pp. 8s/s x 111/4. Paperbound.