Textile Details

'Nuestra Vida en Chile / Our Life in Chile', by Elen Cerón Sandoval. (Photo: Martin Melaugh)

This is an example of the type of arpillera being made today to be sold as a means of earning a living. It is a traditional design with the snow-capped Chilean mountains and the sun in the background and gives us a more colourful and productive picture of village life. We see no men in this arpillera - clearly it is the women who take responsibility for everyday life and everyday family and community tasks.

In the left foreground is the market with women selling vegetables and bread. Carts are used to transport goods because few people own cars. Women are shown tending animals and birds, picking fruit, weaving, washing clothes, collecting firewood and carrying water.

The artist previously produced political arpilleras from the late 1970s. It is interesting to note how this later work uses different material - acrylic backing rather than the traditional Hessian because of commercial concerns. It is disappointing too that Elena has not been offered opportunities to share her skills and experience in workshops or with schoolchildren.

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