Titled 164 Women, this installation is a
celebration of Ecuadorian culture and a tribute to the power of female
community. Composed of 164 pieces, each uniquely crafted by a different woman,
the installation explores the cultural identity of Ecuadorian women and the role
of craftsmanship in today’s tech-driven world.
The installation, titled “164 Women,”
refers to the 164 women of the “María Auxiliadora” Association from the Sigsig
Canton in Ecuador who helped weave each element into the art. The installation
comes together in a cross-woven design using Ecuadorian
Toquilla straw, in which each piece is
weaved in three grades of density and dyed in a nude color gradient. A work that marries
culture, human behavior and the arts. In
honor of generations of craftswomen, the unique and individually constructed
pieces in this installation are intertwined to represent the traditional braids
worn by the Sigsig community.
The piece exemplifies the unmatched level
of dedication in working with toquilla straw – a cultural practice on the
UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The more than 6 meter long Installation was
showcased both in Sig Sig Community at the Artisans Association and in Cuyana’s
store during SF Design Week from June 21st till Aug 1st.
