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Bolivian Knitters


If one is of a certain age the images beside this writing are familiar as clothing from the 60s and 70s.  As a member of the Baby Boomers you recognize the hat or poncho.  These types of hand knit or hand woven wear could be found in most hippie shops and were very affordable to boot.  The distinctive colours and designs clearly marked them as having been made in South America.


The story of how the end products of these skilled wool artists got to a worldwide market is a story told in many cultures.  Native individuals, often at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder, would find a way to sell their traditional wares to a global market.  (I will speak more about this in a few weeks after a class I intend to take.)  Peoples, generally women, from South America, India, Africa, and even North America have found ways to support themselves by using their crafting skills.  

Cardiologist, Franz Freudenthal, from La Paz, Bolivia, has taken advantage of indigenous Aymara women's centuries of experience in knitting and weaving to save lives.  He has discovered a solution to block a hole in the hearts of children born with such a defect.  And the device he uses is ¨knit¨ by Aymara women.  Recently the BBC covered the phenomenon in a report found here.  The story is worth a look.

Dr. Fredenthal states he wanted to find a really, really simple solution to a complex problem.  Certainly using those already skilled in knitting and weaving is a simple approach.  This craft for me is actually saving children lives in Bolivia and beyond.  I can't find words to say how proud, amazed and overjoyed I am about this.  Even in 2015, when technology seems to rule many facets of life, knitters' skills can be used to help solve serious problems and save lives.  Incredible!

Thank you Jami and John for sharing this article with me.

Comments

  1. Unknown31 March 2015 at 13:49

    Traditional knowledge to the rescue!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JFlag31 March 2015 at 15:02

      Yes, as incredible as it is to believe, that knowledge can still change the world.

      Delete

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