“Traditional Route” in Chile, Unique Products and Their Cultural Heritage Value

If you have come this far, it is because you want to learn in-depth about Chile’s “Traditional Route,” which is made up of products created by artisan women that you can find only in our country.

Chilean craftsmanship directly reflects the culture and traditions rooted in our territory from north to south, from the mountains to the sea. When you buy Chilean craftwork, you also bring a piece of our country into your home.

Keep reading and discovering their manufacturers, who brought unique and unrepeatable works of art to life.

The amazing wheat braiding of Itata

The wall decorator exhibited at Fitur 2025 is made from wheat straw in a single braid technique, combining naturally dyed straws with trees and fruits native to our territory. It was created by artisan Marcela Parra and her parents, Ovidio Parra and Rosa Domínguez, whom she learned this cultural heritage craft from.

Wheat braiding craftsmanship is a symbol of Chile and the district of Ninhue in the Valle del Itata, in the Ñuble Region. In fact, the chupalla, a typical hat of the Chilean huaso, is made using this technique, which has been preserved by local families.

According to Marcela Parra, the elaboration process is challenging, and it is made by hand from the beginning to the end. It starts with the harvesting of ancient wheat that is only grown in the Valle del Itata, and then colchaneras women begin to braid it.  In this way, unique products are created, such as wall decorations, baskets, and chupallas, among others.

Wheat espigueros made by Marcela Parra. Photo: Red Artesanía.

Traditional Pottery from Quinchamalí

On the Chilean stand, you will find pottery from Quinchamalí, also from the Valle del Itata. These pieces are characterized for their remarkable black color and unique decorative shapes.

This ancestral technique, whose dyeing is done with horse guano, originates from our indigenous peoples, mainly the Mapuche, and is still alive thanks to the skilled hands of talented artisans.

Nayadet Núñez is one of them. The Chilean Government recognizes her as a Living Human Treasure. She is a distinguished Chilean potter who has dedicated her life to preserving and renewing the rich tradition of pottery in Quinchamalí.

Her work earned her Regional Craftsmanship Recognition 2022, a testimony to her commitment to the culture and art in her town.

You will also find photographs of other Chilean artisans, such as Nieves Elizabeth Calcumil Ávila, an expert in the creation of witral (Mapuche loom), and Gloria Luz Ibertti, who traditionally distills essential oils.

All of them, belong to the artisanNow platform, which aims to reduce inequalities and promote sustainable financial freedom for thousands of women artisans from Chile and Latin America, strengthening their economic autonomy and preserving their cultural identity.

Nayadet Núñez poses next to one of her creations. Photo: UPA Chillán

Rari mane and its colorful art

And what about those butterflies? How can we not see them, since the horsehair butterflies in the Maule Region will never go unnoticed. This type of craftsmanship is made in a small town in Central Chile named Rari, which was recognized by the World Crafts Council as a World Craft City.

Once these natural fibers are cleaned, the local artisans begin weaving and creating beautiful pieces inspired by the flora and fauna surrounding them.

A total of 45 artisan women from Rari participate in the project and digital platform Artesanías Chilenas, where their products can be purchased.

In addition to these beautiful butterflies, they elaborate other products such as necklaces, earrings, and glass markers, among others.

Miriam and Astrid are part of the Artesanías Chilenas. Photo: www.artesaniaschilenas.com