Year round temperate climate and abundant sunshine give the Ecuadorian “toquilla” straw its unique shine and beauty.
Once the straw is harvested, the artisans create poems with their hands, patiently knotting a reason for living. After a minute process, they watch their finished product, something that will never repeat.
Elaboration in detail
The straw is harvested in the Eastern and Western
slopes of the Andes.
It has to grow for two years and a half before the harvester
picks carefully the best hearts into bundles.
The fiber is obtained by removing the veins. Consequently it is treated to obtain uniform color and sizes. From this point on it is ready to be treated by the weaver's hands.
The weavers, usually women, start by weaving the circular centerpiece. Then the straw is placed into a mold, where the top is formed as the threads are tightened.
In continuation the hat is pulled out of the mold and the edges
are woven. Without cutting the straw, a reinforcement is woven
at the edge.
The next step is the so-called “azoque”, the tightening of the fibers
and the trimming of the remaining straw.
Afterwards the hat is washed with warm water then with cold water several times.
Consequently the hat is exposed to a carefully and long bleach process.
For the drying, only sunlight and fresh air can be used.
Molding, pounding and the detection and manual replacement of defective fibers are done simultaneously.
The hat is adjusted to the mold by hitting it with a wooden mallet. This is a delicate operation, since the fabric can be easily damaged.
A careful ironing gives shape and texture to the fibers.
The last stage is pressing that ensures the permanence of the molded shape.
