Weaving Mothers
The Gran Chaco is the second-largest forest in South America, surpassed only by the Amazon rainforest. This marvel is one of the most deforested areas on the planet. There, between El Impenetrable and El Algarrobal, a group of Qom women use their hands to weave and carefully stitch together the resilience of their community and the respect for the land that sustains them.
They venture into the forest, just as their grandmothers did, using machetes to gather palm and chaguar leaves. They do this with respect, taking only what they need, considering the age and health of the plant. They observe, connect, ask for permission, and give thanks. Each piece they weave is unique, with every braid pausing and breathing to its own rhythm. In every weave, they interlace the past without losing the present. With each creation, they strengthen their resilience, fortifying the bonds that tie them to their ancestors and support their families.
The creative process of these artisan women is revolutionary. It stands in stark contrast to the market-based economic dynamic that demands high levels of production and excessive use of natural resources. However, deforestation and denialist policies threaten their cultural heritage, technological memory, and the ecological balance of the natural resources they use. These skilled witnesses of technological change embrace the history and culture that runs through their veins. With every weave, they not only sustain the resistance of their people but also generate income for their community and families.
When a Qom woman braids, she is telling a story. She learns from her mother, who in turn learned from her grandmother, to observe the pattern that forms between her fingers. She follows the movements and discovers her history, sharing it through her crafts. There is a natural ease in their weaving, an intricate pattern that seems to reflect their life stories. If you want to learn about the life of a Qom woman, don’t ask her anything—just watch how she weaves.
