No. 48, November/December 2000
Linkages between Cultural Diversity and Biodiversity

Hutchinson et al.: Chilean 'Hilandera' dying yarn

In the V Region of Chile, a project on plant cataloging and conservation of medicinal plants has recently been started in Colliguay, in the coastal mountains. As part of this project, ICBG partners worked with the group of women called the Hilanderas de Colliguay (Spinners of Colliguay), who use natural dyes to color fibers used in traditional handicrafts. The Hilanderas' techniques are being documented and scientifically analyzed; in exchange, the women are being instructed in conservation and sustainable use of the native plants they use as dyes.

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