LivingInPatagonia.com

New Mapuche Artisan Market

Written by Shanie

The Mapuche people have created a place to show their amazing artisan abilities.

The local, native people of the surrounding areas of Bariloche, including Valcheta, Sierra Paileman, Corralito Panquehuau, Pilcaniyeu, Dina Huapi, Pichi Leufu, Río Chico, Ñirihuau, Las Bayas, Ing. Jaccobacci, Comallo, Anecón, Sierra Colorada, Ñorquinco and San Antonio Oeste, have organized 300 artists to gather their wares into one commercial arena.

Such items being sold include hand woven horse blankets and ponchos, silver, cutlery, hand-woven baskets, hand-carved wood statues and products made from local fruits and vegetables (the freshly made strawberry jam is oh-so-good).

The store offers an ability for the Mapuche to create a better life for themselves. The majority of the communities, except for those coming from Dina Huapi and San Antonio Oeste, are located miles away from civilization. The living conditions are often that of great hardship. The majority of the natives are not well-educated nor have access to medical supplies.

The Mapuche have launched a campaign to broaden the Argentine and world’s understanding of the way that their people have been forced to live. This business opportunity that they have created is one step towards a positive future.

The store is located fifteen kilometers east of Bariloche in the surburb area of Dina Huapi at the intersection of Ruta 40 and Ruta 23. The hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 10 am - 1 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm, Saturday 11 am - 9 pm.