Description: WE RAYIN is an associative undertaking in the process of its formalization, formed by 10 Pehuenche artisan women belonging to the Ralco Lepoy community, in the Alto Biobío district, opening their activities as an organization beginning in 2017, however, they have a long-time trajectory regarding textile production, inherited from their ancestors, artisan women that transmitted the art from generation to generation. One of the more genuine symbols of their art is the one known as “ojito”, which means “spirits from nature that observe the people of the mountains.” The ojito is a figure used in the woven fabrics as a symbol of protection, characteristic of the Pehuenches from Alto Biobío. Additionally, the fabrics also represent symbols valued by Pehuenche women, such as the araucaria tree, the copihue flower, a mountain, fish, among others.
As of 2017, these WE RAYIN women have grouped together, in order to form a collective force allowing them to obtain advantages from their activity, placing value on their textile culture, and to sell with fair trade principles.
The entire production is 100% handmade out of sheep’s wool and the products highlighted by this organization include bedside rugs, pehuenche socks, table runners, horse blankets, and wall hangings. Natural raw materials, such as oak leaves, pine nut shells, michay leaves, and lichens existing in the mountain ranges, are used for dyeing the wool.
In 2017, the group applied for FOSIS funding, for training activities, the implementation of a workshop, and for raw materials. As of 2018, the group is accompanied by the Pehuén Foundation, which collaborates through marketing consultancies (branding, packaging, labeling) and the construction of a textile workshop.
Location: District of Alto Biobío/Community of Ralco Lepoy / Biobío Region
Contact:
- Claudia Manquel | Pone #:+569 40828648 | Email : manquelclaudia@gmail.com
- Fundación Pehuén Email: baranguiz@gmail.com