The Textiles of Central and South America

Angela Thompson
Published by Crowood Press
ISBN 1 86126 826 2
Price £25 (hbk)
Amidst the scrubland, desolate spaces and cold mountainous regions of Central and South America, the brightly coloured textiles make a panorama of vivid beauty. The 10 chapters are richly illustrated with stunning photographs.
The first chapter is an informative history of the Pre-Hispanic era of Central and South America. The second, explores the symbolism, myth and magic of many ancient peoples, and describes how the rock carvings, astrological signs and figures were incorporated into designs used in weaving.
Several chapters follow, featuring dying, spinning and weaving techniques. The latter shows how basic, primitive, portable looms in people’s skilful hands – or feet – are used to weave brightly coloured narrow bands. These are often in the form of stripes and incorporate the much loved colour bright pink. The strips of material are used as belts, borders, hatbands, striped rugs, baby carriers, skirts and so on. The last three chapters describe embroidery, beading and thread crafts. This superb book is a testament to the textile inheritance of some of the poorest peoples in the world.