Otavaleños are artisan masters

Otavaleños are a dominating presence in the craft markets of Guayaquil; being artisans is in their blood, most of their ancestors were engaged in developing fabrics, garments and all kinds of products in different materials.

The ancient techniques and technologies used by otavaleños in developing their craft are the product of miscegenation in history. According to Jose Cabascango, an expert in ancestral history, the Otavalo Indians formed their own workshops since ancient times, after the conquest continued to work in the production of ponchos, girdles, canvases, clothes, etc., for personal and family consumption. Then, with the passage of time, aware of the high quality of its textile products, they diversified their production to knitting scarves and other marketing oriented outside their communities.

The progress of their business and steady increase in demand for their goods, coupled with his vision of trade, production machining made after the purchase of industrial looms. mass production of objects that are promoted and marketed as handicrafts, the industrial origin being then initiated. (I)

Original source in Spanish: http://expreso.ec/guayaquil/los-otavalenos-maestros-de-la-textileria-ancestral-AX145147