The artisans of Guangopolo preserve their community’s cultural heritage as each horsehair is sorted. They meticulously classify each strand into the 16 different shades that exist. Their craftsmanship dates back to pre-Incan times when their community used plant fibers to weave sieves for cooking. With the arrival of the Spanish, artisans in Guangopolo began utilizing the discarded hair of horses found on large haciendas throughout Ecuador. After the development of plastics, community members were forced to adapt to a different market- plastic sieves had replaced their handmade masterpieces--the result would be an incredible line of unique personal accessories. Artisans, Abraham Paucar and Rosa Cabrera, passionately preserve their communities’ heritage, adapting models and new techniques to keep the tradition alive.
Adjustable horsehair bracelet made from four separate horsehair strands.
Made in Guangopolo, Ecuador