Arpilleras Tapestries

When you hear "Arpilleras" tapestry, you need to understand that tapestries from Peru are named after the region in which they were produced. The name "Arpilleras" is actually from a Chilean tradition whereby rags were used to create small dolls. These dolls were then sewn together and sometimes, embroidered on large pieces of cloth. This interesting technique originated in Peru sometime around 1980. From there, it was adopted by shantytown inhabitants in the area around Lima.

Chilean women would put their sewing needles, thread, and rags to work, often used to spread the word about the missing, murdered, or tortured loved ones under the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet. Today, there is a gallery at the Case Western Reserve University called the Mather Gallery where you can still see some of these amazing pieces. In fact, the exhibit has some 40 Arpilleras tapestries on display from private collections of Chilean women.

All Arpilleras tapestries are handcrafted. The rags used are usually collected by women or even donated by Chilean women. The colors and hues are often bright and bold, showing the woman's optimism and strength. The designs also include blacked-out figures of missing family members, as mentioned, as well as soldiers. In addition, the women's faces in the designs have strong lines yet simple stitches.

Typically, you will see a common denominator in the designs of Arpilleras tapestry such as images, names, and photographs. For example, it would be common to see a tapestry piece with the words, "Where are they" stitched on. Sadly, more than 10,000 people disappeared while Pinochet was in leadership. Women during this time were required to take refuge in the Vicariate of Solidarity that was organized by the Catholic church of Rome. The basements were dark and the rooms used for secret meetings of the sisters, mothers, daughters, and wives of the lost or murdered.

These sewn together cotton or wool cloth are designed with such amazing detail that you cannot help but feel impressed. The wall hanging tapestries are beautiful but all tell a unique and often sad story. The patchwork, tapestry, and embroidery style literally walks you through scenes of daily life associated with the Chilean woman, giving you much respect for her hardships.