Crafts are fundamental in the growth and economic development of the area. There are various techniques and materials that are present today in the driest desert in the world and that have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient Atacameño ancestors.
At fairs and stalls, traditional textile crafts are highlighted through the striking colors of blankets, ponchos, vests and wool hats, beautiful and fine hand-made fabrics. Figures representing the fauna of the area are also made. All this crafts have as raw material the wool of llamas, alpacas and sheep, representative fauna of Atacama La Grande.
Another of the pieces of art that significantly represent the area are the handicrafts that are made using the Liparita Stone, a raw material from the area and that has been used by artisan carvers since approximately 1960. An important representative of this art was the indigenous cultist from the town of Toconao Alejandro González, better known as El Pije, who, as a result of his outstanding career as bearer of cultural heritage manifestations, was chosen in 2011 Living Human Treasure of Chile by the National Council for Culture and the Arts.
Pottery is also a very typical artistic expression of the area and one of the oldest in the Atacameño culture. This technique consists of fired clay figures from the land of the area that is rich in minerals. These pieces contain representations of animals such as llamas, sheep, goats and birds, and utensils used in religious ceremonies. The traditional technique with which the different pots and pans are shaped is manual modeling, a trade that artisans develop and protect since childhood.
You will be able to discover this craft and more very soon together with Tiktur in Atacama La Grande.
