The Craftsmen
At Casa Cordillera, we collaborate with artisans from all over Chile. They perpetuate an ancestral know-how, working with noble materials from nature. More than a profession, their art is a precious heritage transmitted from generation to generation, through families, friends and communities. These creations are the reflection of a rich cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible.
Teresa Huiaiquil tells us: “ I grew up in this profession before I was even born, my mother already working in the craft when I was in her womb. From a very young age, I learned by observing my parents. ”
The connection with nature is essential in these crafts, because the raw materials come directly from it. This deep connection pushes the artisans to treat the resources with respect and dignity. Lucy Huincateo illustrates this care with her words: “Removing the Voqui (a plant endemic to Patagonia used for basketry) requires know-how. If you uproot the plant, it will not grow back. To preserve it, you have to leave the roots, because the voqui has many. This way, the plant can grow back without being damaged.”
The nobility of these crafts, their cultural richness and the stories they carry are what inspire pride and happiness in the artisans in their work. Aurora Huenchuñir, a sheep wool artisan, testifies to her deep connection with her craft: “Being a Mapuche artisan gives meaning to my life. When I am in front of my loom, all worry disappears. It is like therapy. Craftsmanship is everything to me. On Sundays, I rest a little when my daughters come to see me, but the next day, it is the call of the wool that brings me back.”
Thus, at Casa Cordillera, each handcrafted piece carries not only centuries of tradition and culture, but also love and respect for nature, as well as the art of creating with one's hands, a feeling that each artisan lives deeply.