LOS TEJIDOS ANDINOS, INDICADORES DE CAMBIO: APUNTES SOBRE SU ROL Y SIGNIFICADO EN UNA COMUNIDAD RURAL

andean textiles are artefacts with extraordinary qualities. apart from being tactile objects and transmission medium for socio-cultural information, for example about social status and esthetical values, they transfer data about local economies and historical incidents. the use of textiles creates relationships that crisscross all these domains. until the present time cloth produced on traditional weaving instruments takes a predominant role in andean local societies. it accompanies all moments of crisis during the life cycle and fulfils preserving functions that simultaneously form identity. recently a shift of the textiles’ roles can be detected that also is indicated by their importance. this alteration is linked with both, socio-political incidents currently taking place within the andean region and the local economic conditions influenced by the world system. the investigation of these processes along their break line holds the possibility of data collection with reference to the alteration and the formation of collective and individual identity. such a study also will offer solutions defined exclusively by the involved local actors.