Toquilla Shigra-Multiple Colors

Originally designed as a seed carrying bag by Kichwa weavers in Ecuador, the Toquilla Shigra is an updated version of a tote that represents a long-standing collaboration between Kichwa artisan cooperatives and the design house Olga Fisch in Quito, Ecuador. The size of the bag relates to the number of quinoa seeds it would take to plant one hectare of land. Larger bags were for larger fields. 

Each Toquilla Shigra is made with contrasting colored pompoms and a bamboo handle.

Process

Our shigras are crocheted from a cactus fiber called cabuya. It is similar to an agave plant but found only in the Imbabura province of the Ecuadorian Andes. The leaves are processed and boiled with natural or chemical dyes to achieve the range of colors. The fiber are combed and then each weaver crochets the shigra by hand with a needle, after defining the colors and designs that they want to use. Designs are generally geometric or abstract and inspired by nature.

Each piece can take between 3-6 weeks to make depending on the size and complexity.

Toquilla Shigras vary in size and design.

Size (without handles)

Small

Approximately 6x6 inches

Medium

Approximately 7x7 inches

Large

Approximately 9.8" x 9.8" (25 cm 25 cm)