Ayoré Ministry Store

To make their purses and necklaces the Ayore women must go into the bush and gather the stiff, turgid leaves of the Garabata plant. The Garabata plant looks like a pineapple plant without the fruit and the leaves are just as spiny. The ladies have very tough arms and hands, but they still get quite scratched when they gather. A few women have a scattering of plants in their own yards, but tradition says that it is a bad idea to plant one's own Garabata, for to do so is to risk severe arthritis.

Once the leaves are gathered (several large bags yield enough for only one purse), they are scraped free of the juicy, green portion until only dry, beige fiber remains. This fiber is taken bit by bit and rolled together on the women's legs. This produces long, thin ropes which are then dyed and hand woven, free-style, into bags, belts, bracelets and necklaces. The patterns on the bags are clan symbols, exclusive to each group.

All of these items have been handmade in Bolivia by the Ayoré. We are selling them for the Ayoré in an effort to help them generate income. All of the proceeds from the sale of these items go directly into the Ayoré Ministry. In the event the item you have purchased is no longer available, you will be contacted to arrange for a suitable substitute or a full refund. Shipping is free.

If you have questions about any of the items or if you would like additional pictures please email Penny Davis at pdfromhome@aol.com.

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