Bolivia has a long tradition of crafts. There are traditional crafts of the Aymaran tribes that feature alpaca and llama wool. When the Incans took over in the 1400s, their art started to influence local crafts with their geometric shapes. Then Spain brought its influence when it kicked the Incans out. Teach your kids about Bolivian history through the making of fun crafts that will keep all of you busy and entertained.

The wealth of Bolivian crafts draws on many centuries of skills and traditions from diverse peoples who were first incorporated into the Inca Empire, and later into the Spanish colony. Though much of this artistic heritage was destroyed by the Spanish conquest, the traditions adapted and evolved in numerous ways, absorbing new methods, concepts and materials from Europe while maintaining ancient techniques and symbols.

Leather

Andean leather is known for its qualities of thickness, color, finish and refined texture. 

Leather craftsmen from rural Bolivian villages travel to the capital of La Paz to practice their craft and sell their wares in local markets. Their intricate tooling techniques reflect indigenous patterns as well as colonial Spanish arts and give dimension to natural leather goods. The undulating patterns they have tooled on this naturally dyed bag mimic the peaks and valleys of the Andes. The whip-stitched sides add a rustic touch to a rich and sophisticated accessory. Fully lined with zippered inside pocket. Handcrafted in Bolivia.

Bolivian Leather

Bolivian Hand Faceted Ametrine Pendant

Ametrine is a rare and unusual stone which occurs in quartz when amethyst and citrine reside in the same crystal. Because the color zoning effect is natural, no two ametrines will ever be exactly alike. Many believe that it contains the powers of amethyst and citrine in one stone, making it a very powerful money stone as well as an excellent via to higher psychic awareness and spiritual enlightenment.

Bolivian Hand Faceted Ametrine Pendant

Bolivian frazada rug

Used as a floor rug, a throw at the foot of the bed or a picnic blanket, these traditional Bolivian textiles known as frazadas have been hand-woven in the Andes since pre-Hispanic times, traditionally used to protect against the high-altitude cold. 

Bolivian frazada rug

Vintage Bolivian Knit Hat

This vintage Andean Peruvian Bolivian chullo colorful alpaca wool knit earflap folk hat dates from the late 19th century. It is made of a colorful hand knit, dyed alpaca wool done in decorative knit floral, geometric designs. This Andean Peruvian, Bolivian chullo style knit hat has earflaps for warmth and is missing the tie strap to secure under the chin. The hat measures 15 inches long with earflap, 11 inches long without and is 20 inches inside circumference. It is in good condition, with only some minor wear and is missing the chin strap ties (see close-up). This is a truly a wonderful piece of Andean hand knit textile folk art. 

Vintage Bolivian Knit Hat

If you are traveling in Argentina and want to take some memories back home, there are certain craft items that you should keep in mind because they mostly represents the country.

– Mates: come in all colors, sizes and materials. Mate is an infusion feature Argentina, and is therefore also one of the most typical handicrafts.

– Football Shirts: The national sport. One of the best things you can give to someone is the official shirt of one of the major football teams in the world – the blue and white National Team jersey.

– Leather clothing: Argentina is one of the leading exporters of authentic, high quality leather clothing. However, prices are not always cheap (though most agree that businesses pay in installments with major credit cards ). If you’re on a budget, you can choose accessories like key chains or belts, which are also made of best leather craft.

– Food: Canned vinegar, spices and homemade sweets are characteristic of each region and are among the most sought handicrafts in the country. Also, foods such as dulce de leche and yerba mate are also required by visitors.

– Musical Instruments: If you travel through northwest Argentina you will find plenty of flutes, reed pipes, and other instruments like sikus craft, gift ideal for carrying and remembering the sweet sounds of regional music.

– Other: Of course, you will find thumbnails of the Obelisk, postcards, prints, paintings, sculptures, textiles and many other crafts typical of Argentina. It all depends on your taste.

Argentina crafts

Argentina is renowned for the quality and elegance of its textiles, leatherwork and saddlery. 

Hand dyed and home spun wool is woven on hand looms to produce the typical Andean Poncho and Faja (sash/belt). Decorative items such as table runners and wall hangings are also made to provide income for the often impoverished indigenous communities.

Argentinian gauchos or cowboys are rightly proud of their decorative leatherwork skills and produce both functional and decorative items finely knotted and woven from strips of rawhide.

Horses are completely integral to the Argentina way of life; from the "criollo" workhorses of the gauchos to the elegant ponies galloping across the pristine turf of the polo grounds. The same rawhide headcollars and tassled saddle cloths are used at both ends of the spectrum.