Processing Raw Wool into Works of Art

The women in Arazape are masters in the process of turning a big, brown heap of wool, straight from the sheep, into beautiful, functional works of art, using only their hands and a few simple tools. I have had the privilege of working with these women and learning their craft, well, at least parts of it. We spend lots of time laughing at my clumsy attempts at the time-honored wool work that has been passed down from mother to daughter for generations.

 The wool is purchased from a local cooperative located about 13 kilometers from Arazape, in San Miguel. The women bring their feedsacks stuffed with raw wool, (5-7 kilos, the equivalent of fleece from 2-3 sheep), back to Arazape, where the transformation begins.

Magdi and Rafaela separate the wool

1. First, the wool is separated, into two piles. The coarse, more heavily soiled wool is set aside to make “hergas”, (Guarani word for saddle blankets). The remaining wool is used for the specialties for which this area is famous, ponchos and “vishus”, (Guarani word for shawls).

Pounding the wool releases dirt and debris from the wool fibers

2. The wool is cleaned by soaking it in a bucket of cold water to which a tiny bit of laundry soap has been added. Next, a small clump of the wet wool is placed on a flat board, and is beaten with a paddle. This part of the process splashes dirty brown water in all direction. The “paddler” is advised to work with her mouth closed, which I learned the hard way. More laughing ensued. After a thorough paddling, the clump of wool is wrung out and rinsed in a bucket of clean water. This process continues until all of the soaked wool has been cleaned.

3. The wool is hung on a line or barbed wire fence, until dry.

4. After it has dried, the wool is carded to remove any remaining debris, comb through and fluff the fibers.

Dominga shows fellow volunteer Lydia how to "finger spin" the wool

5. Next, the carded wool is pulled into the shape of a snake, then spun using fingers or a drop spindle.

Julia proudly displays her newly completed vishu

6. Finally, the hand- spun wool is crocheted by these skilled artisans, creating beautiful wool products. These finished products, are then taken back to San Miguel, where they are marketed in small tiendas, located near the main ruta. Many products were also on display at the recent Ovecha Rogue Festival, celebrating the tradition of crafting with wool.

Spending time with and learning from my friends and neighbors has been an amazing experience. In learning about this part of their culture, they shared their craft, but more importantly, we shared stories about our families, a little gossip about the goings on in the community, hopes and dreams, and just time together.