Research on traditional basketry in Chiloé
Durante los años 2020 y 2021 se realizó el registro e investigación de la cestería tradicional en juncos de la Isla Grande de Chiloé, Patagonia de Chile.
Esta investigación se realizó gracias a los fondos del Ministerio de las Culturas y Artes, el Museo Regional de Ancud y a la colaboración de las cesteras Fedima Soto de Quellón e Ismenia Duamante, Queilén.
En esta investigación se buscó resaltar el valor de la Cestería en “Junquillos” de las localidades de Quellón y Queilén en la isla de Chiloé, Patagonia de Chile. El registro y difusión de esta forma de artesanía no sólo dió a conocer las formas y procesos extractivos de la materia prima y la elaboración de los objetos finales, sino también pretendió contribuir a la construcción del relato de su historia, indagando en su procedencia.
Image: Patricio Contreras; https://www.flickr.com/photos/p_contreras/
This craft has been passed down since time immemorial through the stories and living memories of those who practice it. However, it is subject to constant transformation and innovation, as it is part of the craft to adapt to the changes taking place around it. That is why there is a need today to record and research this craft, with regard to the types of reeds used and the techniques employed.
This urgency is based on the danger of natural fibers becoming extinct. Furthermore, the artisans are already advanced in age and notice that younger women are no longer interested in these crafts. Thus, for this research, the traditional baskets still in use today were classified, each one responding to its use according to the conditions of the island—land, sea, and air.
In addition, the types of fabrics used by the basket makers were recorded, as well as a step-by-step guide to five traditional baskets.
The research concluded with educational videos on the types of baskets, reeds, and weaving, as well as various publications that can be downloaded here .
Project Manager: Isabel Cerda, Designer, Researchers: Isabel Cerda and Celina Rodríguez
Basket Maker Teachers: Fedima Soto and Ismenia Duamante
